Choosing a career of a lifetime is a daunting experience, it is more so when you have to make the decision early in your life to obtain a relevant university degree. SPCA is introducing a 70-hour programme this summer for senior secondary school students interested to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
The programme is suitable for students who have a strong interest in veterinary medicine or other related professions. The aim is to provide participants with an immersive experience of not only what being a veterinary surgeon is all about, but also increase awareness of the animal welfare and ethical challenges the veterinary profession faces on a daily basis.
Established in 1921, SPCA is the largest and longest standing animal welfare organisation in Hong Kong. In this programme, we provide a wide range of unique hands on experience including clinical observations, as well as caring for shelter animals. We also offer lectures, interactive activities, and field trips to our partner organisations to expand and enrich knowledge in animal welfare, ethics, husbandry and behaviour.
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Examine the key characteristics, needs and behaviours that promote positive welfare in animals.
- Develop a self-understanding for the decision making involved in pursuing veterinary and animal science disciplines.
- Discuss issues relating to animal welfare and ethics that are commonly encountered in society.
- Explain how to interact with and handle common pet species in ways that consider their welfare, and are safe for the animals, self and others.
- Outline the daily responsibilities of a veterinary surgeon in various fields or settings.
- Recognise the basic concepts of common diseases in companion animals.
- Describe the general attributes and basic requirements for applying to veterinary schools in key countries.
- Apply the knowledge and skills required for the application and interview processes.
Sold out
Phase 1: Lectures, Activities and Field Trips (27 – 31 July)
| Day 1 – Discovery | A career with a purpose Being a vet: an introduction Requirements and career path: a sharing SPCA vet facilities tour Animal welfare and shelter medicine Animal behaviour SPCA welfare facilities tour |
| Day 2 – Understanding Companion Animals | Veterinary case studies Cat and dog husbandry and handling Practical booths: 1) Clinical examination 2) Surgery and anaesthesia 3) Basic first aid 4) Rehabilitation 5) Laboratory |
| Day 3 – Exotic Animals and Wildlife | Exotic pets Animal welfare in zoos and aquariums Behind the scene tour of Ocean Park Veterinary Facility |
| Day 4 – Animal Protection and Rescue | Animal welfare law and smuggling Animal rescue, cruelty and prosecution cases Vet’s role in prosecution case handling, rehabilitation, and rehoming Animal cruelty case sharing Field trip to Kadoorie Farm |
| Day 5 – Ethics and Practical Skills | Field trip to the Botanical Gardens Veterinary ethics and dilemmas Communication skills Reflection and graduation |
Optional Phase 2: Practical Attachment (4 x Saturdays in August)
| Day 6 & 7 | Kennel and Cattery Husbandry and Care |
| Day 8 & 9 | Clinical Observation |
Eligibility
Hong Kong ID holders who are 16-18 years old, in their final two years of secondary school education, and are preparing for or would like to explore a career in veterinary medicine / science or veterinary para-professional fields such as veterinary nursing, animal behaviour and animal science.
English proficiency
Workshops will be conducted in English. English proficiency equivalent to DSE Level 3 or above is expected
Vaccination
Tetanus shot is highly recommended as there will be animal handling opportunities
Other Requirements
Successful applicants must fulfil all enrolment requirements (e.g. parent consent, HKID copy, full payment, etc)
Attendance
- Maintain a minimum attendance rate (maximum 1 day absent)
- Provide official documentation of any absence as outlined above
- Failure to meet these requirements will result in ineligibility for certification
Cancellation Policy
- Full payment must be made at the time of enrolment.
- Full refund if cancellation made before 5pm HKT, 30 June 2026.
- No refund if cancellation made after 5pm HKT, 30 June 2026.
- No refund if applicants fail to fulfil all enrolment requirements after 5pm HKT, 30 June 2026, and / or fail to fulfil minimum attendance requirement.
For any enquiries, please email enrolment_vdp@spca.org.hk