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Veterinary Externship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

VetnCare

Externship Opportunities

Oakland, CA · On-site

$24 - $32.25/hr

Veterinary Externship Programme - VetnCare (Northern California) Supporting Your Journey Into Practice At VetnCare , we're passionate about supporting veterinary students as they prepare to enter ...

UrgentVet

Description The primary purpose of our Veterinary Student Externship is to provide a hands-on learning experience for 3rd and 4th year students who are enrolled in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine ...

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How much do veterinary externship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary externship in California is $15.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $17.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary externship?

A Veterinary Externship is a short-term, hands-on training experience for veterinary students to gain practical clinical skills under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. Externs observe and assist with medical procedures, diagnostics, and patient care in a real-world setting. These opportunities help students apply their academic knowledge, develop technical competencies, and explore different practice areas. Externships may take place in private clinics, specialty hospitals, research facilities, or shelters. They are typically unpaid and vary in length, often lasting from a few weeks to a few months.

What responsibilities can I expect during a veterinary externship?

During a Veterinary Externship, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as animal exams, administering medications, collecting samples, and observing or participating in surgeries under supervision. Externs are often involved in patient care, client communications, and medical record-keeping, gaining exposure to both routine check-ups and emergency cases. While responsibilities may vary by clinic or hospital, the externship is designed to provide practical experience and mentorship that closely mirrors the day-to-day work of a practicing veterinarian. This hands-on learning environment helps externs build confidence, expand clinical knowledge, and develop professional relationships essential for future career growth.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a veterinary externship?

To thrive in a Veterinary Externship, you need a solid foundation in animal anatomy, clinical procedures, and veterinary medicine, often as an advanced veterinary student. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory equipment, and veterinary management software is beneficial. Strong observational skills, effective communication, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment are essential soft skills. These competencies are crucial for delivering quality animal care, learning efficiently, and collaborating with veterinary professionals in clinical settings.

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Veterinary Externship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Externship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,474 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Matter: Monterey Bay Aquarium Veterinary Externship

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, CA

$16.50 - $20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Accessibility Matter:  Monterey Bay Aquarium Veterinary Externship

 

The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean.

 

Position Description: 

This externship is designed to provide Veterinary students in their clinical year(s) with experience working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's diverse group of animals, which includes sea otters, fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.  The program seeks to increase the diversity of veterinarians involved in conservation & aquatic animal medicine.

Students will assist veterinary and animal care staff with clinical cases, daily rounds, diagnostic & surgical procedures, participate in necropsies, and clinical pathology, as required.  They will also observe & assist husbandry staff, applied water science technicians, and the sea otter rehabilitation team to facilitate a better understanding of these aspects of animal care at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The student is required to prepare and present a case report, literature review, or other topic pertinent to the Aquarium and its conservation programs at the end of the externship.

The work environment includes, but is not limited to, behind the scenes areas and animal habitats as well as office time. It may include work in wet, slippery areas, hot and humid areas, variable temperature and weather conditions. Locations may also vary between Monterey Bay Aquarium, various off-site facilities, and field sites around Monterey Bay.

Eligibility:

Successful Applicants should be:

  • Currently enrolled in a veterinary program and in their clinical year(s) of veterinary studies at the time of their stay at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • In good academic standing
  • In good physical shape (able to lift 25kg) and be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors in central coastal, California weather conditions
  • We regret that at this time we are unable to accept candidates who are currently living/studying outside the United States
  • Priority will be given to applicants from underrepresented cultures, races, and/or religions

Externship Dates:

Veterinary Externships are offered from March 1 to November 1 of each year. Students should plan to spend two to four weeks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Priority for choosing time slots is according to rank during the selection process.

Application Period:

  • Applications for the Veterinary Externship may be submitted between January 1 and October 1 in the year prior to the planned externship.
  • All application materials are due by October 1. (For example, applications for 2027 externships are due by October 1, 2026.) 
  • Students will be notified of their acceptance into the program by October 31st, in the year prior to the planned externship.

 

How to Apply:

  • Select “Apply now”
    • Upload your application documents
    • Resume/CV
    • Letter of Interest, which should include:
    • How your selection will help achieve enhanced diversity in the profession
    • What experience you have
    • What you hope to gain from the placement
    • How you heard about the placement
    • Your career goals
  • Submit via EMAIL: 2 Letters of Reference

NOTE:  Please have your referees send their letters of reference directly to  vetsvcs@mbayaq.org   

-- Incomplete applications will not be considered --

 

Questions? Inquiries? Problems?

Contact: Erin Lenihan, Veterinary Services Program Manager

Email: elenihan@mbayaq.org
Phone: 831-648-4875

Apply