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Animal Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Veterinary Associates

$45K/yr

MVES and OPVES offers a rotating small animal internship with emphasis on internal medicine, surgery, critical care and emergency medicine, cardiology, oncology, anesthesiology and neurology. Our ...

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 ...

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 ...

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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$27

How much do animal internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal internships in the United States is $21.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Animal Internships job?

An animal internship is a temporary position that provides hands-on experience working with animals in various settings, such as zoos, shelters, veterinary clinics, or research facilities. Interns may assist with animal care, rehabilitation, research, or educational programs under the supervision of professionals. These internships help individuals gain practical skills, build resumes, and explore career paths in animal-related fields.

What kinds of tasks and responsibilities can I expect as an animal intern?

As an animal intern, you can expect to be actively involved in daily care routines, such as feeding, cleaning enclosures, monitoring animal health, and providing enrichment activities. You may assist with basic medical care under supervision and help maintain animal records. Interns often work closely with veterinarians, animal caregivers, and other staff, gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative team setting. This role offers valuable insights into animal behavior and care practices, making it an excellent stepping stone for careers in animal science, veterinary medicine, or wildlife conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Animal Internships position, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Animal Internship, you typically need a passion for animal care, basic animal handling knowledge, and usually a high school diploma or enrollment in a related college program. Experience with animal management software or familiarity with tools used in animal care facilities, such as feeding logs and cleaning equipment, can be beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are highly valued soft skills in this role. These abilities are important because they ensure the safety and well-being of animals and foster effective collaboration in animal care environments.

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Animal Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Internships job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.
Animal Care Internship

Animal Care Internship

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Animal Rescue League of Iowa rating

3.3

Company rating: 3.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

676th of 682 rated non-profit organizations

Job description

Animal Care Internship (Unpaid) - Summer 2026

Your Mission:
To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by volunteering time and effort to support the Animal Care teams while gaining valuable hands-on knowledge and experience in animal welfare and care practices in a shelter environment.

What You’ll Do:
As an Animal Care Intern, you’ll play an important role in supporting the daily care, enrichment, and wellbeing of animals at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and the Second Chance Ranch. You’ll assist with cleaning and maintaining animal housing areas, help monitor animal health and behavior, and immediately report any concerns to staff. You’ll learn to operate laundry, cleaning, and dishwashing equipment, help ensure all supplies and spaces are well maintained, and contribute to keeping the shelter environment clean, safe, and welcoming.

Throughout the internship, you’ll complete rotations with the leaders at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and the Second Chance Ranch to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ARL’s shelter operations. You’ll also complete a research-based educational project designed to deepen your understanding of animal welfare and the ARL’s mission, which you’ll present at the conclusion of your internship. In all aspects of your work, you’ll support efforts to reduce stress and disease through compassionate and purposeful handling of animals while adhering to ARL policies and safety protocols.

What You Bring:
You have a genuine interest in animal care and a desire to make a difference for animals in need. Previous experience working with animals or in a customer service environment is preferred, but not required. You are dependable, self-motivated, and eager to learn in a hands-on environment. The ability to work in a fast-paced setting, perform basic mathematical skills, and stay positive under pressure will serve you well in this role. A commitment of 90 days is required, with a minimum of four hours on-site at least five days a week.

Working Conditions:
This position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stand or sit for extended periods of time. Work may involve exposure to animal waste, odors, contagious diseases, bites, scratches, and a moderate noise level. You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven team where every day offers new opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact in the lives of animals.

Why This Internship Matters:
This internship is an opportunity to gain meaningful, real-world experience in animal welfare, build professional skills, and contribute to the care and comfort of hundreds of animals each day. You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of shelter operations, animal behavior, and the role compassion plays in every aspect of our work while helping to further the ARL’s mission to change lives, one animal at a time.