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Animal Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

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 ...

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 ...

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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 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.
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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 66% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Animal Care Internship Orangutan & Monkey -Fall 2026

Animal Care Internship Orangutan & Monkey -Fall 2026

ZooTampa

Tampa, FL • On-site

$14.25 - $18.25/hr

Internship

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Animal Care Internship Orangutan & Monkey- Fall 2026
Internship Period: August 25, 2026-November 27/2026
Deadline to Apply: SPOTS ARE LIMITED-Apply today to join our Summer 2026 Orangutan & Monkey Internship and launch your future in wildlife care and conservation.
Step into the Wild Side of Conservation.
Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working alongside various species of Primates and more? The Orangutan & Monkey Team Internship at ZooTampa offers hands-on experience in Primate care, behavioral training, and real-time conservation education. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with professional animal care staff, gaining behind-the-scenes insight while building skills that pave the way for a career in zoology or wildlife management. From collecting behavioral data to creating enrichment and engaging with guests, every day is a chance to grow personally and professionally in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. If you're passionate, hardworking, and eager to learn, we want to hear from you!
Animal Care Internship, Orangutan & Monkey
Please note: If you are seeking an Animal Care internship, do NOT apply for more than two internships per term; applying to more than two will result in disqualification.
Description:
Interns focus on the care and husbandry of various primate species while learning about the complexities of primate social structure, behavior and ecology. Interns participate in animal observations, enrichment sessions, medical procedures as well as observe training sessions. Through a series of lectures, interns will develop an understanding on how to train using operant and classical conditioning. There is an online course to supplement and expand upon the in-person experiences gained during this internship.
Internship functions include, but are not limited to:
  • Daily care and feeding of animals in collection.
  • Maintenance of animal exhibits.
  • Behavioral observations and record keeping.
  • Complete individual projects as well as periodically test your knowledge gained during the experience.
  • Animal enrichment and public interaction.
  • Learn the importance of positive guest relations and educating the public.
  • Learn about the principles of positive reinforcement, classical conditioning and shaping to train these animals.
  • Represent ZooTampa through exemplary customer service and behavior.

Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred.
  • Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements.
  • Possess a sincere desire to work with both animals and guests.
  • Excellent communication and customer relations skills.
  • Ability to effectively work independently and within a team.
  • Must be able to multi-task.
  • Must have the ability to follow specific instructions and also be comfortable self-directing.
  • Ability to communicate ideas and contribute effectively.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

Required Availability:
  • Must be able to commit to a 14 week internship.
  • Must be able to commit to 40 hours per week.
  • The schedule is ten-hour days (7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) with one weekend day of availability required.

Physical Abilities:
  • Ability to work in extreme weather conditions typical to west central Florida (i.e., heat of sometimes 90 degrees , rain or cold).
  • Must have physical endurance for long, high volume days and be able to stand/walk for long periods of time (including some holidays and weekends).
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull and carry 50 pounds with or without accommodations.

Additional Requirements:
If an internship offer is made, it is contingent on:
  • Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship.
  • All offers are contingent on the successful completion of a criminal background screening and execution of a required hold harmless/liability release agreement.
  • Candidate will be responsible for the cost of the background check (typically $25 but certain jurisdictions may have additional fees).
  • Contingent upon receipt of documentation of negative TB test within the last 6 months and Tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years.
  • Interns must have personal health insurance coverage for illness or injury (as volunteers and interns are not covered by the Zoo workers' compensation program).

Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter and resume in order to be considered for a position.
Benefits:
Internships are unpaid and are designed to meet academic requirements, as applicable, and provide valuable real-world experience for participants. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts. Potential academic credit may be available subject to program eligibility requirements. Candidates seeking academic credit must have arrangements agreed upon between the Zoo and their school before beginning the internship. Successful completion of an internship may also yield letters of recommendation, a portfolio of their work when applicable, and important networking contacts.
Who is eligible?
High school diploma or GED is required. Applicants currently pursuing a degree in any of the biological or life sciences are preferred. Applicants must submit an Internship Application, cover letter, and resume in order to be considered for a position.
International Internship Eligibility Requirements:
Please note that ZooTampa is unable to offer sponsorship for student or work visas for this internship position.
Only applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship will be considered.
Please Note: Interns must make their own accommodation and transportation arrangements. This is an unpaid internship.
Please visit https://zootampa.org/intern-at-zootampa/ for more information.

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