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Animal Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Events Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking an enthusiastic and organized Events Intern to support our Events team. This unpaid internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit event planning ...

Our clinicians, residents and interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work in teams to provide 24-hour, state-of-the-art care to animal patients. Successful candidates hired into ...

New

... interns, and residents. As a leader in our 24-hour teaching hospital, you will coordinate staffing ... Provide day-to-day operational leadership for the Large Animal Hospital clinical support team.

... interns, and residents. As a leader in our 24-hour teaching hospital, you will coordinate staffing ... Provide day-to-day operational leadership for the Large Animal Hospital clinical support team.

Our clinicians, residents and interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work in teams to provide 24-hour, state-of-the-art care to animal patients. Successful candidates hired into ...

Our clinicians, residents and interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work in teams to provide 24-hour, state-of-the-art care to animal patients. Successful candidates hired into ...

Our clinicians, residents and interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work in teams to provide 24-hour, state-of-the-art care to animal patients. Successful candidates hired into ...

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Animal Internship information

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 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.

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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Internship jobs in Iowa?

For Animal Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Animal Internship jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Animal Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Internship job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution.

Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

386th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Ames, IA

Full time

R19578

Position Title:Veterinary Technician I - Large Animal

Job Group:Merit

Required Minimum Qualifications:• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in a veterinary technology program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) or the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA), and • Registered, licensed, or certified as a veterinary technician within one year of the start date.

Job Description:

Are you passionate about animal health and ready to build hands on experience in a large animal hospital setting? The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is seeking Veterinary Technicians to join our Large Animal Hospital.

We are hiring for multiple roles across ICU and Food Animal services, supporting 24 hour patient care in a collaborative academic teaching environment.

Current Openings:

  • Equine ICU

  • Food Animal

Why Join Our Team:

  • Work in a leading veterinary teaching hospital.

  • Gain hands on experience with complex and high acuity cases.

  • Learn from board certified specialists and experienced clinicians.

  • Contribute to training future veterinarians.

  • Build advanced technical and clinical skills.

Position Details:

  • On call requirement: Yes, including weekends and holidays, typically 3 to 5 shifts per month supporting equine and food animal ICU and surgical care.

  • Work environment: On site, hands on clinical setting within the Large Animal Hospital.

  • Residency requirement: Must live within a reasonable distance to meet on call expectations.

  • Ability to work with and safely handle large animals in a physically active clinical environment.

These roles support high quality patient care while contributing to the teaching mission of the hospital.

What You Will Do:

  • Perform advanced technical procedures and assist in surgical, medical, and diagnostic care for large animal species under faculty and clinician direction.

  • Provide patient care including monitoring vitals, administering medications, and supporting recovery for hospitalized and critical patients.

  • Assist with ICU cases and ongoing treatment plans to ensure continuity of care.

  • Demonstrate and teach proper restraint techniques, diagnostic procedures, and clinical skills to veterinary students and house officers.

  • Collaborate daily with clinicians, residents, interns, and students to coordinate patient care and hospital operations.

  • Maintain and troubleshoot medical equipment, manage inventory, and ensure clean, organized, and safe workspaces.

Work Environment:

These roles support different areas within the Large Animal Hospital:

  • Equine ICU roles focus on intensive care and monitoring of hospitalized equine patients.

  • Food Animal roles involve working with a wider variety of species and a higher volume of patients in a fast paced clinical setting.

About the Department:

The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University is home to a leading Large Animal Hospital that supports clinical care, teaching, and research across equine and food animal medicine. The hospital provides comprehensive services for a wide range of large animal species and plays a key role in training veterinary students, interns, and residents.

Team members work closely with board certified specialists, house officers, and students in a hands on clinical environment, contributing to both patient care and the educational mission of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience placing catheters in large animal patients.

  • Experience administering medications via IV, IM, SQ, or oral routes.

  • Experience monitoring anesthesia or assisting with surgical procedures.

  • Experience collecting and processing diagnostic samples including blood, urine, and fecal samples.

  • Experience with large animal handling and restraint techniques (equine and or food animal species)

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Instructions:To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae

  • Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

  • Life insurance and long-term disability

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Wellbeing program

  • Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:7601a

Original Posting Date: July 7, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R19578

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub (https://www.myworkday.com/isu/d/task/2998$46522.htmld?reloadToken=892f884ef9c2fa7e5e6257ecf4e9e942f7aa1a12df75918c6ce41bc78e123167) .

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.

Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.

All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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