1

Veterinary Intern Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Intern information

See Oregon salary details

$7

$17

$29

How much do veterinary intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary intern in Oregon is $17.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.19 and $18.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a veterinary intern?

Veterinary Interns are recent veterinary school graduates who participate in a structured, supervised training program, typically lasting one year, at a veterinary hospital or clinic. This internship allows them to gain advanced practical experience in areas such as medicine, surgery, and emergency care under the guidance of experienced veterinarians. The goal is to further develop clinical skills, deepen medical knowledge, and prepare for potential specialization or residency programs. Veterinary internships are common in both small animal and large animal practices and are often seen as a stepping stone to advanced veterinary careers.

What are some typical challenges faced by veterinary interns during their internship year?

Veterinary Interns often encounter the challenge of managing a steep learning curve while adapting to a fast-paced clinical environment. Balancing long hours, emergency cases, and overnight shifts can be demanding, particularly when transitioning from academic settings to practical, hands-on patient care. Interns are expected to quickly develop clinical judgment, communication skills, and the ability to collaborate with experienced veterinarians, technicians, and support staff. Building confidence while seeking mentorship and feedback is essential for success and professional growth in this role.

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

To thrive as a Veterinary Intern, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, foundational clinical skills, and a strong understanding of animal health and diagnostics. Familiarity with veterinary practice management software, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic imaging tools is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are vital soft skills for interacting with clients and collaborating with veterinary staff. These skills and qualities are essential for providing effective patient care, learning in a fast-paced environment, and laying the groundwork for a successful veterinary career.

What is the difference between Veterinary Intern vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary InternVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsTypically enrolled in veterinary school or recent graduateLicensed or certified veterinary technician
Work EnvironmentVeterinary clinics, hospitals, research facilitiesVeterinary clinics, hospitals, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageVeterinary schools, hospitals, research institutionsVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, labs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding training roles in veterinary medicineCareer path and certification details

Veterinary interns are typically veterinary students gaining practical experience during or after their studies, while veterinary technicians are licensed professionals providing ongoing support in animal care. Interns focus on learning and observation, whereas technicians perform technical tasks and assist veterinarians regularly.

Are veterinary internships worth it?

Veterinary internships provide hands-on experience, skill development, and industry exposure that can enhance a candidate’s qualifications and job prospects. They often include mentorship, training in clinical procedures, and networking opportunities, making them valuable for those pursuing a veterinary career.

How to get a veterinary internship?

To obtain a veterinary internship, candidates typically need to have completed relevant coursework in veterinary medicine and possess basic animal handling skills. Applying through veterinary schools, animal hospitals, or research institutions, and demonstrating strong academic performance and a passion for animal care, can improve chances. Some internships may require certifications such as CPR or animal first aid.

What are the most commonly searched types of Veterinary jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of Veterinary jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Veterinary Intern jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Veterinary Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Veterinary Intern job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 18% Internship, 1% As Needed, 51% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,695 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Part to Full Time Emergency Clinician

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

Bend, OR • On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide emergency veterinary care for equine patients during scheduled weeknights and weekends.

  • Manage emergency cases such as lacerations, colics, and neonate care, and transfer cases to colleagues as needed.

  • Collaborate with a team of specialists and general practitioners, participate in knowledge sharing, and support mentoring of interns and externs.


VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 660 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 56 rated veterinary


Job description

PART TIME TO FULL TIME EMERGENCY CLINICIAN; PRIMARILY WEEKNIGHTS

Do you find equine emergency work to be greatly rewarding, except for when it comes at the end of a normal work day and becomes soul crushing? Are you an experienced, progressive and capable equine vet who thrives in a collaborative environment? Do you want to reclaim your days to dedicate them to your hobbies, your family, another part time vet job or another pursuit? We may have the perfect position for you!

We are seeking an ER clinician for two to four weeknights per week and every 4-5th weekend.

What if you could:
  • Provide a deeply valued and critical service to our patients, clients, your Bend Equine Medical Center colleagues and our referring vet colleagues
  • Have every daytime to spend as you choose
  • Live and practice in the high desert mountain town of Bend, Oregon, one of the most beautiful parts of the country
  • Stay current as part of a team of specialists and advanced general practitioners with frequent rounds, journal clubs, morbidity/mortality rounds
  • Practice in a well-equipped and staffed facility

We have an opening for a flexible 2-4 day work week with light to moderate emergency caseload; this position covers both in hospital ERs as well as ambulatory ERs within a 45 minute radius. Schedule is 4:30 pm-8 am (on site overnight not required), with backup provided by a veterinary intern as well as overnight hospital staffing and surgeon/internist backup. Cases are transferred to a colleague the next morning. Weekend ER (Friday night through Monday morning) duty rotates amongst 4-5 clinicians.

We communicate as a group daily, trust, respect and support one another. Knowledge sharing and each individual doctor’s continued journey to strive for excellence and fulfillment in practice are key tenets for us, as are mentoring our externs and interns. We work hard to ensure the short and long term health and happiness of all of our staff.

Be the change! You’d become part of a 9 doctor, 2 intern primarily equine practice, offering equine primary and referral care both in house and on an ambulatory basis, with a very well-equipped hospital and a pretty small call radius.

Our practice has been here for over 25 years now and we have earned a reputation for excellent care and professionalism and collegial relationships with our fabulous referring veterinarians. Check out what our clients have to say about us on our Google reviews! (And by the way, we have such incredible clients too.)

If you are an experienced equine practitioner who has a passion and talent for high quality general practice, with hospital and ER experience who has the bandwidth for providing emergency/urgent care including lacerations, colics, neonate care, and enjoys working as a team, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits available for full time position. Compensation in the form of a guaranteed salary.

Must be physically able to perform the typical duties of an equine emergency clinician. Internship training strongly preferred.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What VCA Animal Hospitals employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom