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Animal Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$45K/yr

MVES and OPVES offers a rotating small animal internship with emphasis on internal medicine, surgery, critical care and emergency medicine, cardiology, oncology, anesthesiology and neurology. Our ...

Animal Operations Internship- Fall 2026

Dallas, TX · On-site

$15 - $19.75/hr

Animal Operations Internship - Fall 2026 The Dallas Zoo offers an exciting 12-week Animal Operations Internship for students or recent graduates interested in zookeeping or animal behavior. Interns ...

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

Oviedo, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

This internship will teach direct responsibilities in working with a non-profit. Ideal candidates would be interested in running a business or non-profit, human services, volunteering, animal rescue ...

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

Oviedo, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

This internship will teach direct responsibilities in working with a non-profit. Ideal candidates would be interested in running a business or non-profit, human services, volunteering, animal rescue ...

Special Event Internship

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Animal Friends is looking for a Development Intern to help cultivate community engagement and ... Please note this is an unpaid internship. Animal Friends does not offer stipends for housing or ...

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Animal Internship information

Do veterinary internships pay?

Veterinary internships, including those related to animal internships, are often unpaid or offer a stipend to cover expenses. Some programs may provide a small salary, but many are volunteer-based to give students and early-career professionals hands-on experience in clinical or research settings.

What is an animal internship?

An animal internship is a temporary, supervised work experience that allows students or aspiring professionals to gain hands-on experience working with animals. These internships can take place at zoos, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, or research institutions. Interns typically assist with animal care, feeding, enrichment, cleaning, and sometimes research or educational programs. The goal is to provide practical skills, industry knowledge, and networking opportunities in the animal care or animal science fields.

What is the difference between Animal Internship vs Animal Technician?

AspectAnimal InternshipAnimal Technician
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification; some may require relevant coursework or volunteeringTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions prefer or require certification
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, research labs, veterinary clinics, zoosVeterinary clinics, animal shelters, research facilities
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs offered by organizations to gain experienceFull-time or part-time roles in animal care facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal internships are typically entry-level opportunities designed for individuals seeking hands-on experience in animal care without requiring formal certification. Animal technicians are trained professionals responsible for daily animal care, often requiring specific certifications or education. While internships focus on learning and observation, animal technicians perform routine tasks and support animal health and well-being in various settings.

Is 22 too old for an internship?

Animal internships are generally open to individuals of various ages, including those in their early twenties. Age is rarely a barrier, and many programs value maturity, relevant skills, and a strong interest in animal care. Applicants should review specific internship requirements for eligibility criteria.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal internships can lead to various careers such as zookeeper, veterinary technician, animal trainer, wildlife rehabilitator, or pet groomer. These roles often require specific skills, certifications, or training, and involve working in environments like shelters, zoos, clinics, or research facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Intern, you need a basic understanding of animal care, biology, and safety protocols, often supported by coursework in animal science or related fields. Familiarity with animal handling tools, record-keeping systems, and sometimes first aid certification is typically beneficial. Strong observational skills, reliability, and effective communication help you stand out when working with both animals and staff. These skills are crucial for ensuring the well-being of animals, supporting team operations, and gaining valuable experience in animal-related fields.

Does Disney do animal internships?

Disney offers animal-related internships through its conservation and animal care programs, primarily at locations like Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney Conservation Fund. These internships often focus on wildlife conservation, animal husbandry, and environmental education, and may require relevant experience or coursework. Applicants should review specific program requirements and application deadlines on Disney's official careers website.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during an animal internship, and how do they contribute to my professional development?

During an animal internship, you can expect to gain direct experience in animal care, such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, assisting with medical treatments, and observing animal behaviors. These tasks are typically supervised by experienced staff and may also involve record-keeping and participating in educational programs. This exposure not only builds practical skills but also helps you understand best practices in animal welfare and facility operations. Collaborating with veterinarians, animal trainers, and other interns can further enhance your communication and teamwork abilities—key assets for a future career in animal science or care.
More about Animal Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Animal Internship jobs? Cities with the most Animal Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs? The most popular types of Animal jobs are:
What states have the most Animal Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Animal Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Animal Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Animal Internship jobs are:
Infographic showing various Animal Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.
Small Animal Rotating Internship - Mission, KS

$45K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

MVES and OPVES offers a rotating small animal internship with emphasis on internal medicine, surgery, critical care and emergency medicine, cardiology, oncology, anesthesiology and neurology. Our internship program is supported by specialists in internal medicine, surgery, critical care, cardiology, oncology, neurology and anesthesiology along with over 15 emergency doctors. 


The program entails primary case management with specialist supervision, emergency case stabilization and management with support from an experienced ER doctor, and direct interaction with specialists for referral cases. Interns participate in weekly critical care rounds. Weekly surgery rounds are available and interns are encouraged to attend these as well. Interns will construct and present a one hour continuing education lecture on a topic of their choosing. Publication is encouraged but not required. Mission Veterinary Emergency and Specialty is a nearly 30 year old, well-established 24-hour critical care and referral hospital located in the central Kansas City metropolitan area. Overland Park Veterinary Emergency and Specialty is our new facility located 25 minutes south of the original MVES. 


Our state of the art facilities are fully equipped with in house laboratory diagnostics (blood gas, chemistry, electrolyte analyzers, coagulation evaluation, hematology, and cytology,) imaging equipment (digital radiography, computed tomography (CT)), ultrasound, color-flow Doppler, endoscopy, echocardiography, and monitoring tools (direct and indirect blood pressure, CVP, capnography, pulse oximetry, diagnostic and continuous ECG.) We offer a wide range of referral services including advanced imaging and radiographic procedures (on site CT scanner, MRI, nuclear medicine (on-site I-131) and advanced orthopedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive surgery. Intensive 24-hour monitoring, respiratory assistance (oxygen supplementation, oxygen cages, and ventilation,) and nutritional support are available to our patients. We are an emergency and specialty care facility, therefore we do not provide routine preventative health care. Intern candidates should possess an excellent work ethic and enthusiasm.


Motivated individuals who enjoy learning, interacting with clients, and practicing quality medicine with the support of specialists are encouraged to apply. DVM/VMD or equivalent is required along with the ability to obtain Kansas veterinary medical licensure. Selection is based on professional recommendations, academic performance, curriculum vitae, and letter of intent. The position offers a competitive intern-level salary of $45,000, we provide our interns with a comprehensive benefits package including: VIN membership at no charge, continuing education allowance, eligibility for medical, dental, and vision coverage, eligibility for life insurance, eligibility to participate in 401K retirement savings plan, and professional liability coverage. A hospital visit and/or personal interview are encouraged, but not required.


Work authorization in the United States is a requirement for the position. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship by the company, but candidates eligible for TN status may be considered.



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About NVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Nashville Veterinary Specialists + Animal Emergency (NVS) is a veterinary specialty and emergency hospital group with two locations in Nashville and Clarksville, Tennessee. Our Mission and primary focus is to honor the human-animal bond in all we do, focusing on patient care, client experience, and the health of our team. We believe we can never stop improving and strive to improve in all we do. Not only do we focus on patient care, but core to our hospital culture is also a focus on the health of our team, our community, and the environment. We are committed to sustainable environmental practices. NVS works in partnership with National Veterinary Associates-Compassion-First (NVA C-F). NVA-CF is the largest private owner of freestanding veterinary hospitals in North America with over 1400 locations worldwide.

Headquarters location

Agoura Hills, CA, US