Interview with our 2020 Internships –
Hear what they have to say!

Animal Care Sanctuary is one of the oldest and largest no-kill shelters in the United States and is the only animal care organization of its kind in the country that offers pre-vet internships with housing on-site.

Their lifesaving mission envisions a community that promotes turning compassion into action for dogs and cats by adopting healthy animals into loving homes, promoting the human-animal bond through outreach, education and advocacy, spaying and neutering to end the suffering of over-population and to improve public health, and the humane and compassionate treatment of all animals.

The three main pillars that guide their work are animal rescue/adoption, community collaboration and education.

The ACS Intern Program is designed to give students the experience in all facets of shelter and sanctuary management. It provides opportunities to develop skills in a variety of areas involved in animal care.

In addition, ACS has 4 intern positions annually, reserved specifically for those pursuing a degree in shelter medicine or shelter management or for pre-vet students who have an interest in this pursuit. These interns qualify for a stipend provided by The Bronson Scholarship in Memory of Frederick M. Gerhard & Edythe Gay Jennings.

The Sanctuary typically has 3-4 interns between both of their locations (East Smithfield and Wellsboro, PA) during the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall sessions.

Since 2014 ACS has hosted over 30 interns from various schools across the country, including, Penn State University, NYU, Cornell University, Purdue University, University of Notre Dame and Michigan State University.

There is housing on-site at both Sanctuary locations for the students.

Even if students choose a path in private practice or a specialty, it’s the hope of ACS they still play an active role with a shelter in their own community.

Here Is A Summary Of Interns’ Responsibilities:

Interns will work with existing staff to provide daily care for cats and dogs residing at the facility, including: cleaning and maintaining cages and kennel, site preparation and delivery, grooming, and socialization.

Interns will work with our experienced on-site veterinary team to handle, diagnose, and medicate animals. Due to the large number of animals residing at ACS, interns will likely gain exposure to and experience with a number of medical conditions, as well as assisting with spay/neuter surgeries.

Interns will gain experience assisting staff with monitoring new animals for communicable diseases before integrating them with resident animals.

Interns will have the opportunity to assist the facility with regular fundraising efforts and events to raise money to fund our non-profit facility. Past events have included motorcycle rides and area festivals.

Interns will be required to utilize positive reinforcement methods to train and reside with a dog that requires a behavior modification training program. They will provide documentation and meet weekly with shelter staff.