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Animal Internships Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AEG

Safari Animal Educator

Jackson, NJ · On-site

OR have completed 1 or 2 seasons/years of the Education Internship. * Understand the basic principles of operant condition and be able to apply the concepts within animal training. * Able to handle ...

The Pixel Fund

Non-Profit Animal Rescue Internship

Oviedo, FL · On-site

$12.75 - $15.25/hr

This internship will teach direct responsibilities in working with a non-profit. Ideal candidates would be interested in running a business or non-profit, human services, volunteering, animal rescue ...

City of Big Spring

Animal Control Officer

Big Spring, TX · On-site

$40K/yr

... internship or having had a similar position for one year. Possession of a valid Class C Driver ... Investigate reports of animal bites, dangerous/vicious animals, and animal cruelty. Etherize ...

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How much do animal internships jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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Animal Internships jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Internships job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, and 38% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,783 per year, or $21 per hour.

Animal Care Behavioral Observation Internship 2026

Columbus Zoo Family of Parks

Powell, OH • On-site

$13.25 - $18/hr

Full-time, Internship

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description


The goal of this internship is to utilize interns to record observational data of a variety of species within Animal Care Regions throughout the Zoo. Using a Microsoft Excel based worksheets (which will be utilized on the Google Sheets app); interns will observe each animal, as designated by region. This program will allow for observations to be taken on an iPad, which can then be exported for analysis. Through the information that is obtained interns will work with Animal Care Professionals to assess and make appropriate changes to improve Animal Welfare.

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, working alongside full-time keeper staff in learning basic animal behaviors and group dynamics, observing animals and reporting any behavioral changes, and performing other duties as assigned. Interns will also be required to complete various quizzes, training, projects and presentation, and a final reflection paper assigned by the departments.

Learning Objectives:

Enrichment and Training, Ethogram development, become familiar with AZA Animal Care and Welfare standards, and developing an understanding of species’ natural history and functional behaviors.


  • Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) in Zoology, Biology, Wildlife Management, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine or related program.
  • 3.0 or above accumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale preferred.
  • TB test required.
  • Prior animal care experience preferred.
  • Experience with conducting ethograms on zoological animals is preferred, but not required
  • Ability to balance multiple assignments successfully.
  • Proficient on Microsoft Excel
  • Able to use tablet to input data using Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel programs.
  • Ability to use Zoom for weekly meetings
  • Strong computer skills, ability to work with pivot tables and excel spreadsheets.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be neat in appearance and maintain courteous behavior at all times.
  • Ability to work in varied weather conditions (i.e. extreme heat, cold, rain, snow).
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings and holidays (July 4th, Memorial Day, Columbus Day) required.
  • Subject to BMV check.
  • Subject to Criminal Background check.

Hours:    Minimum of 20 hours/week for 12 to 16 weeks 

The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting handson, missiondriven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.
To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships

Apply