Funded Volunteering Opportunity in Türkiye in Animal Welfare and Veterinary Medicine 2026

Ankara University has opened applications for a funded international volunteering opportunity under the European Solidarity Corps program at the Animal Behaviour Clinic of the university’s veterinary hospital in Ankara, Türkiye.

The project, titled One Health in Action: Companion Animal Behaviour, Welfare and Human–Animal Relationships, offers volunteers practical exposure to veterinary behavioural medicine, animal welfare, and human–animal relationships within the One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health.

The clinic provides specialized assessment and treatment for behavioural problems in cats and dogs. Volunteers will support assessment and therapy sessions by preparing the clinical environment, organizing materials, and maintaining cleanliness, calm conditions, and a neutral scent environment. They will also observe cases and learn about the scientific methods used to understand animal behaviour.

Participants will interact with faculty members, researchers, veterinarians, and doctoral students, gaining practical experience in evidence-based medicine, animal welfare, animal ethics, and working within a multicultural university veterinary hospital.

Benefits

Selected volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Free accommodation in shared student housing.
• A food allowance provided in cash.
• Pocket money in accordance with the official European Solidarity Corps rules.
• Support with local transportation related to official project activities.
• Coverage of travel expenses according to ESC regulations and the distance between the volunteer’s home country and Türkiye.
• Health insurance throughout the participation period.
• Specialized training in animal care and behaviour.
• Continuous supervision and guidance from the clinical team.
• Practical experience in a university veterinary hospital.
• An introduction to the One Health approach.
• Development of teamwork and intercultural communication skills.
• Experience in evidence-based veterinary behavioural medicine.
• Greater awareness of ethical approaches to working with animals.
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The volunteer’s responsibilities include:

• Helping prepare the therapy room before sessions.
• Maintaining a clean, calm, and scent-neutral environment.
• Regularly ventilating the clinic and treatment rooms.
• Organizing the tools and materials used during sessions.
• Supporting the team during behavioural assessments of cats and dogs.
• Observing animal behaviour during treatment.
• Using the observation room equipped with a one-way mirror.
• Following all safety procedures within the veterinary hospital.
• Contributing to infection prevention and the cleaning of treatment areas.
• Learning safe and responsible methods of handling animals.
• Assisting the team in documenting behavioural observations when needed.
• Collaborating with faculty members, researchers, and veterinarians.
• Participating in awareness activities related to animal welfare.
• Learning how unmet animal needs can affect behaviour.
• Understanding how human communication with animals may contribute to behavioural problems.
• Supporting community awareness of animal care and responsible human–animal relationships.
• Participating in meetings, training sessions, and ongoing mentoring.

The host organization is looking for volunteers or students who:

• Are interested in animal welfare.
• Are interested in veterinary medicine.
• Are interested in behavioural sciences or psychology.
• Are interested in biology or the One Health approach.
• Are responsible and open-minded.
• Respect animals and treat them with compassion.
• Are willing to learn and develop new skills.
• Can work effectively as part of a team.
• Feel comfortable working in a veterinary hospital.
• Are willing to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds.
• Can commit to the full duration of the project.
• Are registered on the European Solidarity Corps portal.

Required Documents

The official opportunity page does not provide a detailed list of required documents. However, applicants are advised to prepare:

• A CV in English.
• A motivation letter tailored to the project.
• A complete profile on the European Solidarity Corps portal.
• Information about their studies or interests in veterinary medicine, biology, or psychology.
• Details of any previous volunteering experience with animals, where applicable.
• The required personal and contact information.

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