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Animal Care Intern Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Living Desert

Animal Care Intern

Palm Desert, CA · On-site

$16.90/hr

We are seeking qualified and enthusiastic candidates to join our Animal Care team as an Animal Care Intern. This is a paid internship position and will take place Fall 2026 (September-November)

ARC Broward

Animal Care Intern

Sunrise, FL

Arc Broward, a well-established accredited, non-profit organization based in Sunrise, FL is currently searching for pet treat bakers from our Animal Care program to join our growing family. For more ...

Arc Broward

Animal Care Intern

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Arc Broward, a well-established accredited, non-profit organization based in Sunrise, FL is currently searching for pet treat bakers from our Animal Care program to join our growing family. For more ...

Arc Broward

Animal Care Intern

Sunrise, FL · On-site

Arc Broward, a well-established accredited, non-profit organization based in Sunrise, FL is currently searching for pet treat bakers from our Animal Care program to join our growing family. For more ...

.org/advisors

Work-Trade Animal Care Intern

Laupahoehoe, HI

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

We are looking for experienced live-in animal care interns to assist with the daily animal care ... Intern candidates will ideally be vegans who can also explain why these types of animals need the ...

.org/advisors

Work-Trade Animal Care Intern

Laupahoehoe, HI · On-site

$14.25 - $19.50/hr

We are looking for experienced live-in animal care interns to assist with the daily animal care ... Intern candidates will ideally be vegans who can also explain why these types of animals need the ...

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Animal Care Intern information

What is an animal care intern?

Animal Care Interns are individuals, often students or recent graduates, who work under supervision to assist with the daily care and welfare of animals in facilities such as zoos, shelters, veterinary clinics, or wildlife centers. Their responsibilities may include feeding animals, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, assisting with enrichment activities, and sometimes helping with medical treatments or educational programs. Internships in animal care provide valuable hands-on experience for those interested in animal science, veterinary medicine, or related fields. These positions are usually temporary and are designed to give interns practical skills and exposure to careers involving animal care.

What types of hands-on experience can I expect as an animal care intern?

As an Animal Care Intern, you can expect to be actively involved in daily care routines such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and assisting with enrichment activities. You may also have opportunities to shadow veterinary staff during health checks or treatments and participate in record-keeping. Collaborating closely with animal care teams, you'll gain valuable insight into animal behavior, welfare standards, and facility operations, which can provide a strong foundation for future careers in animal science or veterinary medicine.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal care intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Care Intern, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, husbandry, and welfare, often supported by coursework or experience in animal science or biology. Familiarity with animal handling tools, cleaning equipment, and record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for animal welfare help you stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining animal health, ensuring safety, and supporting the overall operation of animal care facilities.

What is the difference between Animal Care Intern vs Animal Shelter Volunteer?

AspectAnimal Care InternAnimal Shelter Volunteer
Required CredentialsMay require basic animal handling knowledge; some programs prefer related courseworkNo formal credentials needed
Work EnvironmentStructured internship setting, often with supervision and trainingInformal, volunteer-based environment, often flexible
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by veterinary clinics, zoos, or animal rescue organizations for trainingCommonly used by shelters and rescue groups for community support
Search & Comparison IntentPeople seeking hands-on experience or internships in animal careIndividuals looking to volunteer and support shelters

Animal Care Interns typically participate in structured programs with some credentials or coursework, gaining practical experience under supervision. In contrast, Animal Shelter Volunteers usually offer support without formal credentials, working flexibly to assist shelters. Both roles contribute to animal welfare but differ in training, environment, and purpose.

What cities are hiring for Animal Care Intern jobs?

Cities with the most Animal Care Intern job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs?

The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Animal Care Intern jobs?

The top employers for Animal Care Intern jobs are:

What states have the most Animal Care Intern jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Care Intern jobs include:

Animal Care Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Intern job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Animal Care Intern

Palm Desert, CA • On-site

The Living Desert
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about The Living Desertexternal

$16.90/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Internship
Description
The Living Desert's mission is desert conservation through preservation, education, and appreciation. We care for 600 animals with over 160 desert species represented. We are seeking qualified and enthusiastic candidates to join our Animal Care team as an Animal Care Intern.
This is a paid internship position and will take place Fall 2026 (September-November).
Position Summary:
This internship position pays $16.90/ hour and will be flexible in hours ranging from 8-24 hours worked per week dependent on candidate selection. Hours must be completed within the designated time frame listed above. Shifts are 8 hours. Summer season shift: 6:00am - 3:00pm; In season shift 7:00am-4:00pm (including weekends and holidays). Schedule to be determined upon acceptance into the internship program.
The successful candidate will rotate through all four areas of animal care over the course of 10 weeks; African Safari & Rhino Savanna, Desert Wilds, Wildlife Connections, and the Nutrition Center. They will also complete a project focused on enriched experiences for a species of their choice.
This is a fluid position and as such can be flexible in focus depending on the candidate's interest and career goals. Some ideas of focus include, but are not limited to: animal nutrition, engineering with a focus on animal enriching experiences, behavioral observations and operant conditioning, animal husbandry and care, etc.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Must represent The Living Desert in a professional manner, interact with guests, and be knowledgeable and share The Living Desert conservation messages, story, and mission.
  • Punctuality and Reliability
  • General knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, natural history and observational skills
  • Uphold The Living Desert's brand, standards, and culture by maintaining a safe, positive, and productive workplace environment for animals, guests, and staff
  • Must follow and abide by all rules enforced through The Living Desert Employee Handbook.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to accurately report daily information

Requirements
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must have received high school diploma or equivalent and be enrolled in college or recent graduate (2 years); STEM education preferred.
  • Covid vaccination and up-to-date boosters are required.
  • Negative tuberculosis test prior to start date is required.
  • Background check
  • Experience with animal care and public interactions is a plus.
  • Valid California driver license.

Working Conditions:
  • Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50lbs)
  • Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals and dust/airborne materials.
  • Works with potentially dangerous animals (large ungulates, carnivores, venomous snakes)
  • Intern will be in uniform and wear a name tag while on zoo grounds. Appropriate footwear (work boots, hiking boots, or similar) are required. Appropriate outerwear is required for all weather conditions (extreme heat, dust, rain, wind, etc).

To apply for this position: Qualified applicants must apply on Paylocity and include a resume, two (2) references and cover letter addressed to Tim Van Loan, Animal Care Curator.
Deadline for submissions: Sunday, August 30th, 2026, interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.
Desert Conservation Through Preservation, Education and Appreciation.
Salary Description
$16.90

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