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Animal Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends

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 ...

Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

P. of Animal Care & Health, the Keeper is responsible for the application of daily animal care ... Supervises volunteers and interns * Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on ...

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Santa Barbara Zoo

Animal Keeper

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

$23.90 - $26.30/hr

P. of Animal Care & Health, the Keeper is responsible for the application of daily animal care ... Supervises volunteers and interns * Shares critical information, best practices, and procedures on ...

Animal Friends, Inc.

Special Event Internship

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$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 ...

Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

Keithville, LA · On-site

May train new animal care staff and interns. Perform related duties as required. Supervision and Responsibility Works under general supervision of Colony Director, Supervisor, or senior animal care ...

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Chimp Haven

Animal Caregiver

LA · On-site

... and interns. • Perform related duties as required. Supervision and Responsibility • Works under general supervision of Colony Director, Supervisor, or senior animal care staff. • Does not ...

Barn Sanctuary

Animal Care Intern

Chelsea, MI

$13.73/hr

Job Overview Animal Care Interns gain experience working at a nonprofit sanctuary with over 140 animal residents covering nine different species, learn valuable skills related to animal health and ...

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The Dancing Horses Theatre

Exotic Animal Intern

Delavan, WI · On-site

$100 - $300/wk

This internship is perfect for anyone wanting to specialize in the animal industry. The internship provides hands-on training, feeding, and caring for mini-pigs, monkeys, raccoons, skunks, bobcats ...

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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:
Animal Internship jobs near you
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.
Special Event Internship

Special Event Internship

Animal Friends

Pittsburgh, PA

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Enter data in Bloomerang and Excel and optimize files by digitizing hard copy files.

  • Assist with donor and foundation research, acknowledgment and tax letter preparation, and individual naming opportunities such as Kennel Sponsorships, Tribute Bricks, and Memorial Garden.

  • Implement a mapping process to improve memorial giving for tribute bricks and Memorial Garden items.

Job description

Description

Learn about the stewardship that fuels our life saving work and help inspire a community where the animal-human bond is celebrated and nurtured! Animal Friends is looking for a Development Intern to help cultivate community engagement and manage our annual giving, tribute and memorial gifts. The Development Intern will work closely with the Development team (primarily the Development Coordinator and Development Database Coordinator) to assure the success of all Animal Friends development efforts.


Daily tasks may include:

  • Data entry in Bloomerang & Excel
  • Optimizing files (digitizing hard copy files)
  • Acting as a positive ambassador of the organization, promoting Animal Friends' mission, vision, culture and policies throughout the community
  • Other miscellaneous office tasks

Additionally, they will gain first-hand experience in development by completing the following tasks:

  • Donor and foundation research
  • Assisting with acknowledgment and tax letter preparation
  • Assisting with individual naming opportunities such as Kennel Sponsorships, Tribute Bricks, and Memorial Garden.
  • Improve memorial giving through implementing a mapping process for tribute bricks and Memorial Garden items.


Requirements

  • Animal Lover! Comfortable working with and around shelter animals - dogs, cats, rabbits.
  • Good proof-reading skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel; Bloomerang experience desirable.
  • Must have a flexible schedule, including being available on nights and weekends.
  • Access to reliable transportation and be open to local travel required.
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Ability to follow directions, work independently and efficiently manage one's time.
  • Must be able to troubleshoot and problem solve effectively, while maintaining composure around clients, donors, animals and volunteers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be comfortable soliciting and working with individuals and businesses.
  • Must have sincere interest in the work, programs, and mission of Animal Friends.


Please note this is an unpaid internship. Animal Friends does not offer stipends for housing or travel. Students are encouraged to apply for resources outside of Animal Friends to support their internship as there are no internal sources of support available unless specifically listed.


Interns can receive academic credit from their university or college for their internships and many U.S. colleges and universities will recognize academic work performed while interning with Animal Friends.

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