Pre-Veterinary and Animal Science Internships

The ACS internship is ideal for pre-veterinary science and animal science majors with special consideration given to those who are pursuing a degree in shelter medicine or shelter management. This internship is designed to give students experience in all facets of shelter and sanctuary management. It provides opportunities to develop skills in a variety of areas involved in animal care.

Interns will be given the opportunity to work with over 400 cats and 60 dogs to provide quality care, enrichment, and socialization in a facility designed for optimum animal health and well-being. They will perform a 12 week rotation through the cattery, canine care, low cost spay/neuter and wellness clinic, and the adoption office to experience all aspects of the sanctuary.

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
• Dite preparation and delivery
• Grooming
• 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 and diseases, as well as assisting with spay/neuter surgeries.

Interns will gain experience working in a quarantine environment as they assist 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 wine-tasting events, but interns are encouraged to bring new ideas to the table.

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 the site behaviorist.

Requirements:

Candidates must be pursuing or have recently received a degree in pre-veterinary science, animal science, biology, or a related field (Veterinary students). SPECIAL CONSIDERATION is given to those pursuing a degree in Shelter Medicine or Shelter Management.

Teamwork and communication skills are essential to success in this program.

Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical duties such as bending, stooping, and kneeling.

Ability to work on your feet for several hours at a time.

Knowledge of and/or experience with operant and classical conditioning preferred.

Must possess a personal vehicle and valid driver’s license.

This internship is 40 hrs/week, and interns will be required to work weekends as assigned. Housing is provided on-site. A $200 bi-weekly stipend is provided by The Bronson Scholarship in Memory of Frederick M. Gerhard & Edythe Gay Jennings for those pursuing a degree in shelter medicine or shelter management. For more information, please contact Rachel Rossiter at rrossiter@animalcaresanctuary.org. Applications can be downloaded on our website www.animalcaresanctuary.org.