Gap Year Animal Programs

From furry to feathery to finned, spending time with adorable animals is always a blast—especially when you take your curiosity abroad! If you're considering a gap year and are passionate about animal welfare, wildlife habitats, conservation, and endangered species, there are plenty of opportunities for you. With diverse programs available, your time abroad will be both rewarding and impactful. Alpaca your bags; animal gap year programs are waiting for you!

#1 Gap Year in 2024 - Over 100 Animal Welfare Prorgams Worldwide

Featured Provider of the Month

Discover who you are on the ultimate gap adventure! Sail the world!
with Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

9.7777 reviews

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

Top Animal Welfare Volunteer Programs & Internships Abroad

GoEco offers more than 60 wildlife and animal conservation volunt...

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102 reviews

Impact Gap Year

Conservation Explorer

Visit three different continents in a single program, traversing ...

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9.789 reviews

African Conservation Experience

The Ultimate Personalized Gap Year Experience

Are you looking for an epic adventure that will change your life ...

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9.8621 reviews

International Volunteer HQ [IVHQ]

Wildlife Conservation with IVHQ in Victoria Falls

Are you passionate about supporting wildlife conservation efforts...

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9.437 reviews

Institute for Global Studies

IGS Wildlife Rehabilitation Internships

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainf...

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8.3321 reviews

Pacific Discovery

Mexico, Costa Rica & Guatemala Gap Semester

Pacific Discovery's Central America Gap Semester is an unforgetta...

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8.85 reviews

MAXIMO NIVEL

Customized GAP Year Programs in Costa Rica

Discover a new environment and a new ‘you’ in this 24-week gap ye...

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91 reviews

Raleigh International

Volunteer in South Africa - Expeditions With Purpose

A Raleigh South Africa Expedition is your chance for Adventure. I...

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00 reviews

Kaya Responsible Travel

Environmental & Community Gap Year Adventure, South Africa

Unsure about your academic or professional future? Take a breathe...

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9.8866 reviews

VACorps

Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

The VACorps Gap Year Program is a transformative experience that ...

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102 reviews

African Horse Safaris

Moolmanshoek Wildlife Working Holiday

Experience the excitement of life in the African Bush at Moolmans...

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9.676 reviews

Go Abroad China Ltd.

High School Language Exchange Program

Discover China Through Language & CultureFounded in 2003, Go Abro...

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94 reviews

Oyster Worldwide

Gap Year Travel with Oyster Worldwide

Interested in taking a gap year? Do it with an organization well ...

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9.254 reviews

EF Gap Year

EF Gap Semester in Latin America (The Changemaker)

Get hands-on experience with conservation and sustainability and ...

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9.45 reviews

Gapforce

Thailand Marine Conservation

Lying in the crystal-clear tropical waters of the Gulf of Thailan...

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Video of the Month

Seamester: Explore

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

Popular Providers

CIEE High School Grads Abroad

Experience the world before college on a Gap year abroad with CIE...

Medjet

Insurance gets you to the nearest hospital. Medjet can get you HO...

Latest Program Reviews

10/10 experience!

March 06, 2025by: Eve G - United KingdomProgram: Game Ranger Course in South Africa

I loved every second of my time in South Africa. All the staff at the reserve were fantastic, especially the rangers who were really knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the conservation that was happening there. There was a really good blend between all aspects of the course, including the classroom learning, field learning and also participating in some of the volunteer activities as well. The accommodation on the reserve was really nice and well looked after too!

My time with VAC was an incredible experience!

January 03, 2025by: Brian Trumbore - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

My experience in Cape Town has been incredible. I have seen incredible landscapes and animals I was not aware existed. I have learned how to surf, make new friends, and embrace every moment of the day. I have tried new foods and found many new activities that I love. The Friday excursions have been one of my favorite parts of this experience. We are always traveling to some exciting new place. My Internship has also been amazing. I have learned much about my future profession and what I will be expected to do. It has encouraged me to study hard in school and get this job. Everyone has been super nice and supportive in my workplace, and they are always happy to answer questions. I learned much more about my future career path during this gap year, and that has helped me feel more dedicated to my studies.

10/10 experience!

March 06, 2025by: Eve G - United KingdomProgram: Game Ranger Course in South Africa

My time with VAC was an incredible experience!

January 03, 2025by: Brian Trumbore - United StatesProgram: Gap Year Internship Program in Cape Town with VACorps

A Guide to Animal-Focused Gap Year Programs

Prepare for a Gap Year

Understand the benefits

During your gap year, you won’t return home empty-handed. You’ll gain a wealth of insights for your mind, heart, and soul. So, what can you expect to gain from a gap year focused on working with animals?

Sense of fulfillment. Helping animals in need brings a deep sense of accomplishment, whether it’s caring for rescued wildlife, supporting rehabilitation efforts, or nurturing endangered species in sanctuaries.