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Animal Care Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Binder Park Zoo

Animal Care Intern (Fall)

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

The Animal Care Internship is an unpaid position that offers college credit based on your college or institution's requirements. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: * Must have completed one-year of college.

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$34

How much do animal care internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 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.

What are some common challenges interns face during an animal care internship, and how can they be addressed?

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.

What is an animal care internship?

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.

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, 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.
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Animal Care Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,232 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Animal Care Internship - Academic (Unpaid)

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain

Burlington, VT

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Note: There is no monetary compensation associated with this position. You must be seeking academic credit to apply for this position. This role is intended for interns seeking academic credit for their work who cannot commit the required number of hours each week for the paid role. Minimum weekly commitment is 4 hours.

Reports to: Animal Care Manager

Academic Credit: Intern is responsible for arranging and meeting internship requirements through their institution of higher-education. Any requirements (projects, paperwork, contracts, evaluations, etc.) must be presented to ECHO Animal Care Staff during the internship interview and must be agreed upon with all parties before the start of the internship.

ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is looking to engage an Academic Intern in the Animal Care Department. Animal Care Interns assist and support Animal Care Staff in a professional, state of the art animal care environment, as is provided in Association of Zoo and Aquarium accredited institutions throughout the US, for native fish and reptiles, as well as native and exotic amphibians. After initial hands-on training, Interns will be required to accomplish husbandry tasks independently and must complete assigned individual project work.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Preparing diets and feeding animals
  • Cleaning and maintaining animal enclosures both on exhibit and in the back of house
  • Administering medications to animals
  • Creating and installing naturalistic habitats
  • Animal handling
  • Keeping daily records of husbandry tasks and animal wellbeing
  • Researching natural history and captive husbandry practices
  • Creating and delivering 20-30 minute educational programs on species natural history, conservation needs, and/or captive care.

Essential Skills/Training:

  • Applicants should be enthusiastic, detail-oriented, reliable, and willing to get wet and/or dirty!
  • Occasional raising or relocation of up to 60 pounds may be required.
  • Capable of independently completing responsibilities listed in the previous section.
  • Majors in animal science, wildlife biology, pre-vet, aquaculture, environmental science, or related fields preferred.

Time Commitment:

  • 3 month commitment
  • 4 hours per week minimum required by ECHO, however additional hours can be accommodated by ECHO if additional hours are required for academic credit. Any scheduling requirements must be presented by the intern to ECHO Animal Care Staff during the internship interview and must be agreed upon with all parties before the start of the internship.

Work Conditions

This position typically works indoors in the guest space or in 'back of house' animal care areas. Occasional outdoor collection trips may occur, which may involve hiking, wading or entering or traversing streams. The position works directly with reptiles, amphibians, fish and various invertebrate food items. The position may occasionally require relocating or raising up to 60lbs. Typical responsibilities involve stooping, balancing, climbing ladders, and being in close proximity to Animal Care staff (especially during the initial training period). Typical work involves water; floors are typically wet and care is required when moving through work areas.

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