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Animal Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

... animal health and water quality data.Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. Will be responsible for budgeting a portion of the Program Supplies annual budget.

Maymont Foundation

Lead Aquarist

Richmond, VA

$43K - $56K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Maintains daily records including (but not limited to) inventory, animal health and water quality data. * Will be responsible for training and supervising interns and volunteers. * Will be ...

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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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Animal jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Animal Internship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Internship jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Animal Internship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Animal Internship job openings:

Animal Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Internship job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 67% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Large Animal Care Assistant

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

$16.26/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

229th of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Large Animal Care Assistant

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536903
Work type: Hourly Wage/Part-Time
Senior management: College of Veterinary Medicine
Department: Vet. Medicine Clinical Services
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Veterinary Medicine

Job Description

Assists in providing basic and intensive nursing care to all patients of all services admitted for treatment to the Large Animal Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Provides assistance to clinical faculty, residents, interns, and senior veterinary students concerning all aspects of patient care, animal handling and the application and use of specialized diagnostic and medical equipment. Will work on an as needed basis. Subject to work varying shifts, days of the week, weekends and holidays. Assist in other areas as directed by supervisor.

Required Qualifications

Must be able to follow and comprehend written and verbal instructions concerning all aspects of patient care. Must be able to recognize needs and establish priorities in order to ensure quality patient care. Must have the ability to make sound emergency decisions concerning the health and safety of both humans and animals; ability to administer drugs and pharmaceuticals by all acceptable routes of administration; ability to safely work with and proficiency at handling and restraining all species and breeds of large animals required. Must be able to safely move and handle items weighing up to 75 lbs. Ability to work for long periods of time, standing, sitting, walking, reaching, bending and pushing/pulling. Ability to tolerate Rabies prophylaxis (provided by employer) is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in veterinary care of large animals; experience in various animal restraint methods; experience with specialized related equipment. Ability to work independently and in a team setting. Able to maintain a clean work environment following bio-security protocols.

Pay Band

3

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

starting at $16.26/hour

Hours per week

Up to 29

Review Date

07/20/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Carrie Nowlin at cnowlin@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: July 6, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

Social media

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