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Animal Trainer Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Animal Trainer Intern information

What is an animal trainer intern?

Animal Trainer Interns are individuals who assist professional animal trainers in caring for and training animals, often as part of a structured internship program. Their responsibilities may include feeding, cleaning, observing animal behavior, assisting with training sessions, and maintaining records. Interns gain hands-on experience working with animals in settings such as zoos, aquariums, shelters, or entertainment venues. This role is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in animal care, behavior, or training, and provides valuable learning and networking opportunities.

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

As an Animal Trainer Intern, you will typically assist with daily animal care routines such as feeding, cleaning habitats, and monitoring animal health. You'll also observe and participate in training sessions, helping to reinforce desired behaviors using positive reinforcement. Interns often help prepare training materials, document animal progress, and may interact with visitors or clients under supervision. This hands-on role provides exposure to both the behavioral and logistical aspects of animal training, and you’ll work closely with experienced trainers and other animal care staff.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal trainer intern?

To thrive as an Animal Trainer Intern, you need a basic understanding of animal behavior, patience, and a genuine interest in animal care, often supported by coursework in animal science or biology. Familiarity with training tools, safety equipment, and observation or record-keeping systems is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are important soft skills to effectively support trainers and ensure animal welfare. These skills are crucial for creating a safe, positive learning environment for both animals and handlers while contributing to successful training outcomes.

What is the difference between Animal Trainer Intern vs Animal Trainer?

AspectAnimal Trainer InternAnimal Trainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience or coursework in animal behaviorRelevant certifications (e.g., CPDT-KA), experience in animal training
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in zoos, aquariums, or training facilitiesFull-time employment in similar environments with more responsibilities
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with training tasks, observing trainers, gaining experienceDesigning and implementing training programs, managing animals independently

In summary, an Animal Trainer Intern is a learning role focused on gaining experience and assisting trainers, while an Animal Trainer is a full-fledged professional responsible for training animals independently. Interns typically have fewer credentials and responsibilities compared to full trainers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Animal Trainer jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Animal Trainer jobs in Virginia are:

Small Animal Internist - Hope Advanced Veterinary Center

Vienna, VA • On-site

$300/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Small Animal Internist - Hope Advanced Veterinary Center

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people — providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage — for all the moments that matter.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience — every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

  • Local autonomy with national support
  • Career mobility and development opportunities
  • A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

Position Overview

We are seeking a dedicated Board-Certified or Residency Trained Small Animal Internist to join our team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality veterinary care and possess excellent communication skills to build lasting relationships with our clients. You will work alongside a team of experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff and will work closely with the Hospital Manager and Regional Manager.

Hope Advanced Veterinary Center in Vienna, Virginia is a 24 hour specialty and emergency practice. Our highly trained licensed technical staff support a great group of ER veterinarians and specialists. Specialty services at Hope Advanced Veterinary Center include Internal Medicine, Ophthalmology, Oncology, Surgery, Rehabilitation and Cardiology with access to Radiologist support.

Why Join Us:

  • Our ER and Specialty doctors work well together to provide complete patient care.
  • Our internal medicine service is well equipped with a 16 slice CT, ultrasound and endoscopy with access to fluoroscopy.
  • We also help to train and support an internal medicine intern yearly as well as two general rotating interns.

We are currently offering earning potential exceeding $300,000 with flexible scheduling (3 or 4 days a week available).

What We Offer

  • Signing, retention and relocation packages up to $75,000
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
  • 401(k) with discretionary contribution
  • Team Member Pet Discounts
  • Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
  • CE stipends and career development resources
  • Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
  • Local hospital culture backed by national resources

Key Responsibilities

  • Comprehensive patient exams and medical work-ups
  • Client communication and education
  • Maintaining accurate medical records
  • Pharmacy duties such as prescribing medications to patients and following controlled substance protocols
  • Promote teamwork and staff efficiency
  • Work with the Hospital Manager on weekly priorities and expectations
  • Evaluate and monitor protocols for the daily running of the hospital from intake to discharge
  • Monitor cases in the hospital and attend daily rounds when possible to be sure the highest standards are being upheld
  • Participate in practice management updates and training at all levels
  • Performs other duties as assigned by Management.

Qualifications (Required)

  • Veterinarian degree (DVM or VMD) from an accredited college or university
  • 1-year rotational internship in small animal medicine, surgery, ER (university or large referral practice).
  • Completed a 3-year, AVMA approved residency program
  • Current State Veterinary License
  • DEA registration must be obtained and maintained
  • Strong diagnostic and clinical skills.
  • Ability to work well in a team-oriented environment.
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Commitment to providing compassionate and high-quality veterinary care.
  • Excellent Communication Skills and the ability to communicate effectively, efficiently, and in a timely manner with all members of the Medical and Hospital staff.
  • Client communication skills, must be able to elicit information, establish rapport, offer explanations with pet owners.
  • Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
  • May include some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
  • Some tasks involve the periodic performance of moderately physically demanding work.
  • Position does require the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

  • Board Certification
  • 2-5 years of experience post-residency
  • Clinical Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in examining and assessing animals. Perform cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopedic, neurological and other necessary examinations. Diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to develop solutions to challenges relating to the management of a high-quality veterinary hospital.
  • Communication Skills: Demonstrate effective communication of diagnostic and therapeutic options to clients. Display effective communication with internal medical and hospital staff.
  • Professionalism: Work as part of a high-quality, professional veterinary team with the ability to provide and receive appropriate constructive criticism, suggestions, and feedback.
  • Business Acumen: Ability to understand the management and finances of the veterinary hospital practice.
  • Ethics: Knowledge and understanding of ethical principles that guide decisions affecting patients.
  • Commitment to Continuing Education: Commitment to utilize available resources of continuing education and to facilitate learning of others.

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V

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