Animal Care Internship information
See salary details
$11.78 - $13.83
9% of jobs
$15.28 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$13.83 - $15.89
23% of jobs
The median wage is $17.47 / hr.
$15.89 - $17.94
23% of jobs
$21.02 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$20 - $22.05
16% of jobs
$22.05 - $24.10
12% of jobs
$24.10 - $26.16
5% of jobs
$26.16 - $28.21
0% of jobs
$28.21 - $30.27
0% of jobs
$30.27 - $32.32
0% of jobs
$32.32 - $34.38
0% of jobs
How much do animal care internship jobs pay per hour?
As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal care internship in the United States is $19.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Animal Care Interns often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, managing emotional responses to animal health issues, and learning to work efficiently within a team of professionals. It's important to be prepared for early mornings, repetitive duties like cleaning enclosures, and following strict safety protocols. Building resilience, asking questions, and seeking feedback from experienced staff can help interns overcome these challenges while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field.
An Animal Care Internship is a hands-on training program designed for students or individuals interested in working with animals. Interns assist with day-to-day animal care tasks such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring health, and sometimes helping with enrichment activities. These internships are typically offered by zoos, animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and veterinary clinics. They provide valuable experience for those pursuing careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation. Interns gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional connections that can help with future job opportunities.
To thrive as an Animal Care Intern, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, health, and handling techniques, often supported by coursework in animal science or biology. Familiarity with animal care protocols, cleaning procedures, and record-keeping systems is typically expected. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and a compassionate, team-oriented attitude help interns excel in this role. These skills ensure the well-being of animals and contribute to efficient, safe, and supportive care environments.
More about Animal Care Internship jobs What cities are hiring for Animal Care Internship jobs?
Cities with the most Animal Care Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Care jobs?
The most popular types of Animal Care jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Care Internship jobs?
States with the most job openings for Animal Care Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Care Internship jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Animal Care Internship jobs are:
