Animal Welfare & Intake Internship
We are not currently offering an Animal Welfare Internship.
This opportunity will expose participants to the animal care and intake processes of shelter operations. Participation in this program will allow students to develop transferable, real-world skills in the areas of animal handling, animal behavior, animal health, animal enrichment and teamwork.
Reports To
Animal Welfare Supervisors
Director of Animal Welfare
Hours and Schedule
Each internship is an unpaid position working a minimum of 10 hours per week to be scheduled during normal business hours for three months. The exact schedule can be determined between the intern and the department managers. Individual experiences may be custom arranged based upon program requirements.
Learning Goals and Objectives
- Learn proper sanitation and cleaning techniques used in environments housing animals.
- Understand how to utilize appropriate fear-free animal handling techniques.
- Develop interpersonal skills while working with a variety of staff and volunteers.
- Learn to provide enrichment opportunities to dogs, cats, and various species of critters.
- Develop the ability to identify and report animal health concerns.
- Experience the intake and assessment process for a variety of animals including local wildlife.
Job Duties:
- Interns attend an orientation and dog and cat handling training course. Interns are expected to work a regularly scheduled shift that includes, but not limited to:
- Daily care of animals including kennel/cage cleaning, feeding, watering, dishes, and laundry.
- Provide canine and feline enrichment and socialization.
- Identify and report medical and behavioral observations.
- Provide intake exams and assessments.
Abilities and Experience
- At least 19 years of age.
- Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Basic animal handling skills.
- Ability to work effectively and independently without supervision as well as working well with others.
- Flexibility and willingness to learn and to try new things.
- Ability to be comfortable being exposed emotionally and physically demanding situations.
- Ability to be comfortable around unpleasant situations that can include dealing with blood and animal waste.
- Ability to engage in frequent walking, bending, standing, and other physical activity which may include lifting objects up to 50 lbs without assistance.
What we need from you
- A cover letter explaining credentials and career goals
- At least two references
- Your school's requirement for independent study (if applicable)
- Completed application