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Animal Internships Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Intern

Lansing, MI

$17 - $22/hr

Prior internship or coop experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment * Familiarity ... Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria ...

Engineering Intern

Lansing, MI · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Prior internship or co-op experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment * Familiarity ... Through a variety of animal healthcare products, to food safety solutions for dangerous bacteria ...

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Portage, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lakeview Animal Hospital is located in the beautiful lake region of Portage, Michigan, a community ... We have five veterinarians on staff, three of whom are internship trained. We practice internal ...

Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Portage, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Lakeview Animal Hospital is located in the beautiful lake region of Portage, Michigan, a community ... We have five veterinarians on staff, three of whom are internship trained. We practice internal ...

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Animal Internships information

See Michigan salary details

$8

$18

$24

How much do animal internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal internships in Michigan is $18.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.10 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal internship?

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 does an animal intern do?

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 skills and qualifications are needed for an animal internship?

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Internships jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Animal Internships jobs in Michigan are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Internships jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Internships jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Animal Internships jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Animal Internships job openings:

Infographic showing various Animal Internships job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 61% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,161 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Mammal Department Internship- Fall 2026

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Mammal Department Internship- Fall 2026

The Life Science internship in the Mammal Department is contingent on the intern being currently enrolled at an accredited four-year college or university and seeking a degree in a science-related area. Students must earn college credit for their time as an intern. Interns will work with the Life Science staff to learn the duties and responsibilities of zookeeping as a profession. Interns will help provide daily care for the animals including feeding, cleaning, behavioral observations, habitat modifications, and participation in special projects all designed to help ensure the best welfare for each animal. Interns will also interact with guests and help ensure outstanding overall guest experiences. Internships are approximately 14 weeks in length with flexible hours and days to be discussed upon hiring. This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change due to the needs of the Detroit Zoological Society and its leadership. This document will be reviewed on a continual basis and will be modified as needed.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Shadowing zookeepers providing daily care, including but not limited to, feeding, cleaning and habitat maintenance
  • Take direction from staff concerning duties, responsibilities, and safety procedures
  • Participate in special projects that benefit the animals
  • Observations of animals and enhancing animal welfare
  • Submit a written 2–3-page paper summarizing your time as an intern. This is due one week before the internship ends.
Qualifications
  • Junior or senior level status currently enrolled in a college or university, proof required.
  • Letter of recommendation from an accredited college professor stating credit will be received for the internship.
  • College course work completed in zoology, biology, animal behavior or related field.
  • Must be self-motivated and have a strong work ethic.
  • All interns must have proof of a negative TB test within the last 12 months on or before start date. The Human Resources department for the Detroit Zoological Society will also perform a background check on all students before they can start their internship.

Working is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions. Frequent exposure to animals with risk of zoonotic disease transmission (Tuberculosis, Salmonella and others). Physical Requirements Interns must be able to perform all principal duties satisfactorily. Able to perform moderate physical effort daily such as walking, bending, stooping, lifting, and standing for an extended period. Able to lift up to 50 pounds. The individual must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.