Yes, Best Friends has animal internships!  For people who may want to work in the field of animal welfare someday, what better way to do what you love to do, and gain hands-on job experience at the same time?  You'll learn about general animal care, socialization of shy or traumatized animals, and animal behavior. The program is open to individuals ages 20 and over, that are considering or pursuing a career in an animal related field, and to adults looking for a possible change in career. This is an especially good program if you are interested in pursuing a career within a sanctuary setting. 

What's it like? Following a two week rotation in all the animal areas (Cats, dogs, horses, parrots, rabbits and pigs!), interns will then choose their favorite area to concentrate on.  Interns also choose a project animal - one who needs extra help - and journal about their animal's progress as well as various animal welfare topics. There will be opportunities to customize your activities as well. Optional classes and discussions include adoption issues, animal behavior, the Best Friends Network, and the No More Homeless Pets campaigns.

What will be required?

When working with animals, you never know what to expect.  The job can vary from day to day, so willingness and flexibility are a must. Remember too that you'll be working in a high desert climate and altitude (over 5,000 ft) which requires good physical stamina. Interns work five days a week from 8 AM to 5 PM. And it's a volunteer Internship, so you'll have to cover your own expenses.  There's a lot of basic animal care and sanctuary maintenance involved, which can be physically challenging and may include feeding, lifting heavy bags, cleaning kennels, catteries, bird cages and horse stalls, and exercising animals.

How do I get around the sanctuary?

The sanctuary sits on over 3,000 acres of property and our animal care areas and facilities are quite spread out! Transportation is not provided, so you'll need to bring a vehicle to get from area to area.

Internship Dates for 2012

1) January 24th - February 25th
Deadline for applications to be received is October 15, 2011.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by November 15, 2011.

2) March 27th - April 28th
Deadline for applications to be received is January 15, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance by February 15, 2012.

3) May 8th - June 9th
Deadline for applications to be received is March 1, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or around April 1, 2012.

4) June 12th - July 14th
Deadline for applications to be received is March 1, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or around April 1, 2012.

5) July 24th - August 25th
Deadline for applications to be received is April 15, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or around May 15, 2012.

6) September 11th - October 13th
Deadline for applications to be received is Friday, April 15, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or around June 15, 2012.

7) October 16th - November 17th. 
Deadline for applications to be received is June 1, 2012.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance on or around August 15, 2012.

Applicants will be selected based on their responses to the questions and involvement in local animal shelter or welfare issues.

If you are interested in attending one of these sessions, please submit an application via fax 866.899-2774 or email learningexperience@bestfriends.org .

If you are a veterinary technician enrolled in school or a 4th year veterinary student you can find out more about our externship program by contacting learningexperience@bestfriends.org.

For further information on the intern program, please click here.

Questions? Please contact us at learningexperience@bestfriends.org or (435)644-2001 x4790.