ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Dog Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Animal Friends, Inc.

Special Event Internship

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Comfortable working with and around shelter animals - dogs, cats, rabbits. * Good proof-reading ... Please note this is an unpaid internship. Animal Friends does not offer stipends for housing or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsDog Internship Jobs

Dog Internship information

See salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do dog internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for dog internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dog Intern, and why are they important?

To succeed as a Dog Intern, you generally need a basic understanding of animal care, enthusiasm for working with dogs, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with kennel management systems, pet care software, or basic animal handling equipment is advantageous. Patience, strong communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills to build rapport with both animals and staff. These competencies ensure the safety, well-being, and positive experience of the dogs in your care while supporting a productive team environment.

What types of hands-on experiences can I expect during a Dog Internship, and how do these prepare me for a career in animal care?

During a Dog Internship, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on tasks such as feeding, grooming, exercising dogs, assisting with basic training, and observing health checks. Interns often work closely with experienced handlers or veterinary staff, gaining exposure to daily routines and learning to recognize canine behavior and body language. This practical experience not only builds confidence in animal handling but also provides valuable insight into the responsibilities and challenges of working in animal care environments like shelters, clinics, or training facilities. Such internships are a great stepping stone for those considering careers as veterinary assistants, dog trainers, or animal shelter workers.

What is a dog internship?

A dog internship is a hands-on learning opportunity for individuals interested in working with dogs, typically in settings like animal shelters, veterinary clinics, dog daycares, or training facilities. Interns gain experience in tasks such as animal care, feeding, grooming, basic training, and sometimes assisting with medical treatments. These internships are designed to help participants build practical skills and knowledge about canine behavior, health, and welfare, often serving as a stepping stone for careers in animal care or veterinary fields.

What is the difference between Dog Internship vs Dog Trainer?

AspectDog InternshipDog Trainer
Required CredentialsNone or basic experience, often a learning positionCertifications or formal training often preferred
Work EnvironmentAnimal shelters, training facilities, or veterinary clinicsPrivate clients, training centers, or pet stores
Employer & Industry UsageOrganizations seeking hands-on experience for future trainersIndividuals or businesses providing training services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Dog internships are typically entry-level positions designed for individuals gaining experience in dog care and training, often without requiring certifications. Dog trainers are professionals who provide specialized training services, often with certifications or experience. Internships serve as a stepping stone, while trainers are actively working in the industry providing training to clients.

More about Dog Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Dog Internship jobs? Cities with the most Dog Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog jobs? The most popular types of Dog jobs are:
What states have the most Dog Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Dog Internship jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Dog Internship jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Dog Internship jobs are:
Dog Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dog Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Special Event Internship

Special Event Internship

Animal Friends, Inc.

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$14.50 - $19.50/hr

Internship

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Learn about the stewardship that fuels our life saving work and help inspire a community where the animal-human bond is celebrated and nurtured! Animal Friends is looking for a Development Intern to help cultivate community engagement and manage our annual giving, tribute and memorial gifts. The Development Intern will work closely with the Development team (primarily the Development Coordinator and Development Database Coordinator) to assure the success of all Animal Friends development efforts.
Daily tasks may include:
  • Data entry in Bloomerang & Excel
  • Optimizing files (digitizing hard copy files)
  • Acting as a positive ambassador of the organization, promoting Animal Friends' mission, vision, culture and policies throughout the community
  • Other miscellaneous office tasks

Additionally, they will gain first-hand experience in development by completing the following tasks:
  • Donor and foundation research
  • Assisting with acknowledgment and tax letter preparation
  • Assisting with individual naming opportunities such as Kennel Sponsorships, Tribute Bricks, and Memorial Garden.
  • Improve memorial giving through implementing a mapping process for tribute bricks and Memorial Garden items.

Requirements
  • Animal Lover! Comfortable working with and around shelter animals - dogs, cats, rabbits.
  • Good proof-reading skills
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel; Bloomerang experience desirable.
  • Must have a flexible schedule, including being available on nights and weekends.
  • Access to reliable transportation and be open to local travel required.
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Ability to follow directions, work independently and efficiently manage one's time.
  • Must be able to troubleshoot and problem solve effectively, while maintaining composure around clients, donors, animals and volunteers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Must be comfortable soliciting and working with individuals and businesses.
  • Must have sincere interest in the work, programs, and mission of Animal Friends.

Please note this is an unpaid internship. Animal Friends does not offer stipends for housing or travel. Students are encouraged to apply for resources outside of Animal Friends to support their internship as there are no internal sources of support available unless specifically listed.
Interns can receive academic credit from their university or college for their internships and many U.S. colleges and universities will recognize academic work performed while interning with Animal Friends.

Apply