1

Animal Internship Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... as Animal Control, Best Medicine, The Faithful, and The Way Home, as well as Bento Box ... TMZ DC is currently interviewing students for our internship program for Fall 2026: October 2026 ...

TMZ DC Intern - Fall 2026

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22.75/hr

... as Animal Control, Best Medicine, The Faithful, and The Way Home, as well as Bento Box ... TMZ DC is currently interviewing students for our internship program for Fall 2026: October 2026 ...

The candidate will supervise postdocs, students, research assistants or lab interns conducting ... Conduct research across various imaging science fields using disease animal models, including brain ...

The candidate will supervise postdocs, students, research assistants or lab interns conducting ... Provide expertise in imaging methods and experimental design from small animal imaging to ...

Showing results 21-40

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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Animal jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Animal jobs in Reston, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Animal Internship jobs in Reston, VA? For Animal Internship jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Animal Internship jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Animal Internship job openings:

Overnight Emergency Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospitals

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 656 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 52 rated veterinary


Job description

Join us as an Overnight Emergency Veterinarian at VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Fairfax, Virginia, and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities, and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Why join the team
  • Multi-specialty and emergency hospital established in Northern Virginia in 1995
  • We pride ourselves on our collaborative and collegial work environment
  • Full-time Surgery, medical and radiation Oncology (linear accelerator and I131 therapies), Neurology/Neurosurgery, Radiology, Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Ophthalmology, and Physical Therapy specialists to help provide multimodality patient care and support
  • A total of 24 exam rooms
  • Five surgical suites with an enclosed sterile corridor
  • 3D Spiral CT, digital radiography, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, C-arm, and MRI are all available in-house
  • Rapid in-house lab machines (CBC, chemistry, electrolyte, coag monitors, and more) for quick service to outpatients and inpatients. In-house Antech lab as well!
  • Opportunities to teach and mentor with our active internship program, frequent vet student externs, and DVM continuing education programs.
  • 24/7/365 support from our CritiCare Department to facilitate overnight/weekend patient care, urgent referrals, and critical care patient needs.

Community
  • Located in Fairfax County, Virginia, it offers an outstanding quality of life for singles and families, including public schools ranked among the best in the country and numerous prestigious universities nearby.
  • In addition to an educated, affluent population, the country's most robust economy, and career opportunities for spouses, the area offers an exciting and vibrant nightlife, trendsetting restaurants, and cultural, historical, and international events unique to Washington, D.C.
  • With four distinct seasons and varied geography, our region offers the best of all worlds: hiking, golfing, rafting, skiing, sailing, beaches, rock climbing, and almost every other sport or activity is within a short drive.

Who we look for
  • People obsessed with pets and their care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive in a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards
As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, and other relevant credentials.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
  • Paid parental, vacation, and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and Paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in Virginia or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people, and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
Learn at the hospital website: VCA SouthPaws
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

What VCA Animal Hospitals employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom