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Animal Care Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wisconsin

Animal Care Technician III

Bayfield, WI · On-site

$41K/yr

Animal Care Technician III Job Category: University Staff Employment Type: Regular Job Profile ... This position will coordinate project activities with USTEs, volunteers, and interns at the ...

Wisconsin

Animal Care Technician II

Prairie Du Sac, WI

$20 - $22/hr

Animal Care Technician II Job Summary: Tucked in a bend of the Wisconsin River about 30 miles north ... Prior farm or agricultural work experience (e.g., general farm labor, agricultural internships, or ...

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How much do animal care internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 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 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.

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.
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Animal Care Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Care Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,232 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Animal Discoveries Internship

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Glen Rose, TX • On-site

$13 - $15.50/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 8 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide daily care and maintenance of animals at the Animal Discoveries

  • Assist in developing and presenting educational programs and exhibit talks to guests

  • Record keeping on animal care, enrichment, diet logs, and medical and behavioral observations

Job description

Animal Discoveries
Full-time Internship
Must be 21 years of age at the start of the internship!!
Application deadlines:
Spring (January-May) deadline is October 1st
Summer (May-August) deadline is March 1st
Fall (August-December) deadline is June 1st
Summary/ Purpose of Position: This position will provide care for the inhabitants of the Animal Discoveries; provide a safe, enjoyable, educational and interactive experience for our guests; and assist in maintaining the aesthetics of the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES. ANIMAL DISCOVERIES interns will also liaise with the Environmental Engagement Department to provide educational opportunities for Fossil Rim’s general guests and groups as applicable. This area provides one of the few opportunities for the public to interact with Fossil Rim Staff. This internship provides a wide variety of experiences working with a variety of goats and sheep, pot-bellied pigs, African spurred and Texas tortoises, non-venomous snakes, psittacines, black-footed cats and various arthropods.
Intern Duties and Responsibilities: The essential responsibilities of the Animal Care Intern: ANIMAL DISCOVERIES includes but are not necessarily limited to the following:
  • Daily care and maintenance of animals at the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES
  • Diet preparation for all animals including proper plant identification
  • Construction and presentation of enrichment/ training programs including food, sensory, physical, occupational/ social and browse categories
  • Observe and assist as directed with medical care of the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES animals
  • Record keeping on all ANIMAL DISCOVERIES animals (Daily Care, Enrichment amp; Diet logs, medical amp; behavioral observations)
  • Help provide a safe environment for learning and entertainment
  • Assist with developing and providing educational programs to guests via exhibit talks and biofact tables. Interns will also receive the opportunity to be tours trained.
  • Constant cleaning of the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES with consideration for public aesthetics, health and impression
  • Help monitor safety of both people and animals by explaining ANIMAL DISCOVERIES rules to guests and providing friendly reminders as needed. Seek additional help from staff as needed.
  • Provide excellent customer service for guests
  • Work closely with volunteers of all ages on animal care, public education and specific projects as appointed by ANIMAL DISCOVERIES staff and Supervisor
  • Responsible for overseeing the ANIMAL DISCOVERIES when Supervisor and other ANIMAL DISCOVERIES staff are absent
  • Able to lift and carry 50lbs
  • Ability to spend up to 2/3 of the workday standing/ walking.
  • Ability to work outside all day in weather ranging from extreme heat +100 degrees to extreme cold, below freezing and in wet conditions.
  • Willingness to be trained in on using small maintenance equipment such as weed trimmer, mower, hand tools, wood shop saws
  • Ensure compliance with Employee Handbook, Risk Management Plan, all other safety rules and procedures, the company vision, mission and goals. Always seek clarifications from ANIMAL DISCOVERIES staff and Fossil Rim HR where needed.
Desired Qualities, Experience and Educational Skills:
  • Working towards or recently graduated with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. At least two years of undergraduate college work in wildlife management, conservation biology, or a related scientific discipline.
  • Previous experience with animal care and public education beneficial but not required
  • Good communication skills
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member
  • Patience with public (especially children)
  • Ability to monitor animal/ human interactions
Work Requirements: Regular and dependable attendance is required. Additional time off must be approved by ANIMAL DISCOVERIES Supervisor. Interns usually have a 5-day workweek, often requiring flexibility and ability to work weekends and holidays. Irregular scheduling in which days may exceed 8 hours. Interns will typically have weekdays off.
International students must have a J1 or B1 visa before arrival. Fossil Rim will not sponsor or assist with the visa process.
Stipend/Housing:
  • Stipend of $400/month
  • Free onsite housing in a shared living environment is mandatory during your internship.
  • Fossil Rim work vehicle to be used only on property when available
If selected, candidate must have a TB test conducted within 30 days prior to arrival for internship.
Please apply through our website. WE DO NOT accept applications via email. Click the “Apply for this Position” button, fill out the form, upload the required documents, and click the “Submit Application” button. We require a cover letter, résumé, and contact information for 3 professional references. Please specify which season you are applying for.

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