15 Summer Veterinary Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- Jun 5
- 12 min read
If you are in college pursuing veterinary science, a summer internship in the field can be one of the most effective ways to gain early exposure to the field while still in college. Veterinary internships allow you to develop practical clinical and research skills, whether that’s assisting in animal care, observing surgical procedures, or contributing to laboratory work. Beyond technical experience, you will also build professional competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving in professional settings.
Why should I do a veterinary summer internship in college?
A veterinary summer internship offers direct exposure to the realities of working in animal healthcare, helping you bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice. You will gain experience in clinical or research environments, which is critical for building confidence and competence in the field. These internships also allow you to work closely with veterinarians, researchers, and other professionals, giving you access to mentorship and valuable industry insights.
From a career perspective, internships enhance your employability by demonstrating initiative, relevant experience, and commitment to the field. They also boost your applications for veterinary school or graduate programs, as admissions committees value candidates with practical exposure and clear career direction. Additionally, the professional networks you build during internships can lead to future research opportunities, strong letters of recommendation, and even full-time roles.
To help you find the right option, we have curated a list of 15 summer veterinary internships for undergraduates.
If you are looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Location: UC Davis, Davis, CA
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded (covers travel, housing, meals); $750 stipend provided
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: June 24 – July 31
Application deadline: March 6; applications open January 12.
Eligibility: Students, ages 18 and up, from disadvantaged backgrounds, who have completed at least one year of undergraduate biology/chemistry, hold a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have prior animal/veterinary experience
The UC Davis Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) is a fully funded, pre-veterinary experience designed to strengthen your preparation for veterinary school. Over four weeks, you will follow a structured schedule with morning clinical rotations and afternoon lectures, workshops, and field visits. This format allows you to build both practical clinical exposure and a strong theoretical foundation in veterinary medicine. You will also gain hands-on experience in areas such as suturing, animal handling, and clinical procedures while learning from faculty and veterinary professionals
Location: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, West Lafayette, IN
Stipend: ~$6,500 (veterinary students) | ~$4,500 (undergraduates)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: May 26 – August 3 (end date is August 9 for DVM students)
Application deadline: January 30
Eligibility: Veterinary and undergraduate students interested in veterinary medicine
The Veterinary Scholars Summer Research Program is a mentored research experience designed to expose you to careers beyond clinical veterinary practice. During the 11-week program, you will work closely with a faculty mentor to design and conduct an independent research project in veterinary biomedical science, diagnostics, or clinical research. You will also attend weekly seminars covering topics like lab animal medicine, ethics, and career pathways in academia, industry, and government. The program includes enrichment activities such as site visits, networking events, and, for veterinary students, the opportunity to present your research at a national symposium.
Location: Various locations throughout the U.S. (both office-based and field-based)
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: One to two weeks; opportunities offered in fall, spring, and summer
Application deadline: March 1 for summer; June 1 for fall; November 2 for spring
Eligibility: Students enrolled full- or part-time in a regionally accredited college or university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher
This externship is run by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the federal agency that sets and enforces humane animal care standards across the U.S. You will get hands-on experience in areas like nonclinical veterinary care, compliance inspections, policy development, emergency programs, outreach and training, and stakeholder engagement. Depending on your placement, you will either work in an office setting or out in the field at locations across the country. Animal Care staff will work with you to build an individual learning plan designed to make the most of your time and connect your academic background to real government work. The externship offers you a look at how a major federal agency operates and protects animal welfare at the national level.
Location: Seneca Park Zoo, Rochester, NYS
tipend: $750/week (~$3,000 total for 4 weeks)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Competitive; 1 intern out of ~75–100 applicants
Dates: 4 weeks between May and August (flexible scheduling)
Application Deadline: February 28; applications open on October 1.
Eligibility: Students who have completed at least two years of pre-vet coursework, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and have 100+ hours of veterinary experience
The AAB Pre-Veterinary Fellowship is a zoo-based clinical and research program designed to give you direct exposure to exotic animal medicine and conservation. During the four-week program, you will work closely with veterinary staff, observing and assisting in clinical rounds, diagnostic procedures, surgeries, and preventive medicine practices. You will rotate through multiple animal care units, gaining hands-on experience with a diverse range of species, including marine mammals, primates, reptiles, birds, and large mammals. Alongside clinical exposure, you will dedicate time to a structured research project, applying scientific methodologies and contributing to ongoing conservation work.
Location: Dane County Humane Society’s Wildlife Center, Madison, WI
Stipend: Paid
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer internships: April – September (flexible start dates); fall and spring opportunities also available
Application Deadline: February 15 (summer)
Eligibility: Undergraduate students with coursework in biology, wildlife, veterinary medicine, or related fields
Dane County Humane Society offers various internships focused on shelter medicine, animal care, and rehabilitation. The Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship offers students hands-on experience in wildlife care and rehabilitation. During the internship, you will assist with daily operations at the wildlife center, including feeding animals, preparing diets, handling wildlife, and supporting medical care, including diagnostics and medication administration. You will also gain exposure to intake procedures, volunteer coordination, and facility management, giving you a comprehensive understanding of how a wildlife center operates. The internship emphasizes practical training in pre-veterinary skills and wildlife management, as well as opportunities to participate in research and educational activities.
Location: African Safari Wildlife Park, Port Clinton, OH
Stipend: Paid (hourly wage)
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Typically, March – November (aligning with the peak season in May–September; minimum 12-week commitment)
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, ages 18 and up, with a background or interest in animal-related fields
Seasonal Internships at African Safari Wildlife Park are full-time, hands-on experiences in animal care and wildlife conservation. In this role, you will work directly with a diverse range of animals, participating in daily husbandry tasks such as feeding, monitoring health, and maintaining enclosures. You will also assist with enrichment activities, animal training sessions, and occasional veterinary procedures, gaining hands-on exposure to animal welfare practices. Beyond care responsibilities, you will engage with visitors by educating them about the animals and supporting interactive experiences, which will help you develop your communication skills. The program emphasizes adaptability and teamwork, as you may be cross-trained across multiple departments.
Location: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, TX
Stipend: $300/month + free on-site shared housing
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: May – August; spring and fall opportunities also available
Application deadline: March 1 (for summer internships)
Eligibility: College students and recent graduates; some roles require at least two years of undergraduate coursework in wildlife science, biology, or related fields.
Fossil Rim offers various full-time internships that provide students with hands-on animal care opportunities while working with domestic and exotic species in a public education setting. As an intern, you will take on animal-focused and guest-engagement tasks, gaining insights into zoo and wildlife education. You will also spend time engaging in outdoor tasks. You will work with a range of animals and assist with daily tasks involving husbandry, enrichment, training, and medical observation. The internships also include educational outreach opportunities, involving delivering exhibit talks, working with volunteers on animal care and public education projects, and interacting with visitors as a representative of Fossil Rim.
Location: National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego, CA
Cost/Stipend: Free; $4,000 stipend/semester
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: 16 weeks; internships offered in spring, summer, and fall semesters
Application deadline: Summer: March 1; Spring: October 1; Fall: June 1
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, senior undergraduates, and recent graduates in Marine Science, Biology, Zoology, Psychology, or Veterinary fields; applicants must be U.S. citizens.
This is a paid, 16-week internship run through the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program in partnership with the National Marine Mammal Foundation. As an intern, you will work hands-on with dolphins and sea lions, engaging in tasks such as diet preparation, sanitation, and equipment and facility maintenance. You may also get to assist the training staff with husbandry and open-ocean training sessions, as well as support the animal care staff during physical exams. You will also have the chance to help with ongoing marine mammal research projects. Throughout the semester, you will engage in lectures and field trips to broaden your understanding of the field.
Location: Penn Vet Working Dog Center, Philadelphia, PA
Stipend: Unpaid; housing and transportation not provided
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer: June 1 – August 7 (commitment of 10 weeks or 350 hours) | Intersession/Gap Year: Flexible internships (minimum commitment of 12 weeks or 350 hours)
Application deadline: March 27 (summer); rolling admission for other terms
Eligibility: Students who are 18 and older, enrolled in colleges, or taking a gap year
The Penn Vet Working Dog Center Internship offers an immersive, hands-on experience for students interested in canine training, behavioral science, and working dog research. During the program, you will interact with dogs in training. In the process, you will learn how scientific research supports working dog performance, particularly in areas like canine olfaction and behavior. You are expected to commit at least 350 hours, working approximately 20–35 hours per week, depending on the term. Throughout the internship, you will develop discipline, attention to detail, and practical animal handling skills while adhering to structured training protocols.
Location: Zoo Miami, Miami, FL
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Spring: January – April | Summer: May – August | Fall: September – December; 16-week internship involving 600+ hours of work
Application deadline: Summer: February 15 | Fall: June 15 | Spring: October 15
Eligibility: Students, ages 18 and up, who are recent college graduates or currently enrolled in college
Zoo Miami offers various internships to students throughout the year. The Hospital Clinical Internship allows you to explore veterinary medicine while working directly within Zoo Miami’s animal health team. You will shadow veterinarians, vet techs, and clinical staff as they perform surgeries, treatments, diagnostic procedures, and case management tasks. Work takes place in the on-site hospital and is structured as a full-time clinical rotation, running Monday to Friday. The internship also offers access to seminars with zoo professionals to deepen your understanding of wildlife care, zoo medicine, and veterinary careers.
Location: Cape May County Zoo, Cape May County, NJ
Stipend: Awarded upon completion
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: June 1 – mid-August (exact date varies by internship)
Application deadline: March 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students, ages 18 and up, preferably enrolled in relevant majors such as Biology, Zoology, Psychology, or Environmental Science
The Cape May County Zoo offers multiple summer internships that provide hands-on experience in animal care, training, and education. Depending on the track—Zookeeping, Training and Enrichment, or Education—you will work directly with animal care staff, gaining exposure to daily husbandry, behavioral training, exhibit maintenance, and/or conservation outreach. Some roles allow you to engage in animal medical care. The program includes both observational learning and active participation, allowing you to develop practical skills in animal management and public engagement. You may also interact with zoo visitors, helping communicate conservation messages and enhance guest experiences.
Location: Multiple locations (campus-based roles across the U.S.)
Stipend: Paid; semester-based compensation and additional stipends for externships
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Seasonal/semester-long roles
Application deadline: Not specified
Eligibility: Veterinary students enrolled in university programs
The Veterinary Student Ambassador Program at Vetcor is a leadership-focused opportunity that allows you to represent a large network of veterinary practices within your university community. In this role, you will act as a liaison between Vetcor’s recruitment team and fellow students, helping promote career opportunities, organize campus events, and facilitate communication. As a student ambassador, you will gain access to clinical experiences, externships, and potential summer job opportunities within Vetcor’s network of practices. The program also emphasizes networking, enabling you to build relationships with veterinary professionals and peers across institutions.
Location: Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, Morgantown, WV
Stipend: Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer; flexible dates based on applicant availability
Application deadline: April 30
Eligibility: Undergraduate students; preferred majors are Pre-Veterinary Medicine or Wildlife and Fisheries Resources.
Offered by Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia, this internship requires you to provide daily care for injured and displaced wild birds, including raptors, waterbirds, and songbirds, and work alongside other interns, staff, volunteers, and veterinarians. Your tasks will include monitoring and feeding birds, including nestlings and fledglings, and assisting with intake procedures such as generating paperwork, supporting veterinary exams, and helping with medical procedures when appropriate. You will also help with pre-release conditioning, including physiotherapy and creance-based flying. You will work five-hour shifts seven days a week.
Location: Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL
Stipend: Most internships are paid; Fisher Center internships are unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Year-round; most internships occur during the summer.
Application deadline: Varies by opportunity
Eligibility: Current college students and recent graduates
Lincoln Park Zoo offers a variety of internships where you will work alongside animal care staff, researchers, and other professionals to get a well-rounded look at how a zoo operates. Placements are available across departments, including animal care, conservation and science, marketing and communications, and development. In addition to your day-to-day work, you will have access to intern-exclusive career panels with industry professionals, social networking events, job shadowing in other departments, and the zoo's professional development resources. Some positions, such as fieldwork or animal behavior roles, allow close access to wildlife in their habitats. You will also receive discounts on dining, parking, and gift shop purchases at the zoo during the internship.
Location: Southwick’s Zoo, Mendon, MA
Stipend: Unpaid; college credit available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Summer internships: Mid-May – August | Fall internships: Late August – November
Application deadline: Animal Care internship: February 28 | Education internship: March 31
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old, currently enrolled in college, or recent college graduates with a strong interest in animal sciences
Southwick's Zoo offers several internships to students and graduates. You can choose from two tracks: Animal Care (covering reptiles, birds, primates, and hoofstock) and Education (covering wildlife education programs for children). As an animal care intern, you will perform daily husbandry tasks such as cleaning, feeding, diet preparation, and enrichment building, and may assist with veterinary consultations and medication administration. Education interns work with children from kindergarten through high school, designing and delivering hands-on activities and animal-based instruction. During the internship, you will develop and present a conservation project on EARTH Awareness Day held at the zoo on the first Saturday of August. While the internship doesn’t come with a stipend, you will receive a season pass for personal use and discounts on food and gift shop purchases.
Bonus!
Location: Remote; you can participate from anywhere in the world!
Cost: Varies depending on the cohort; financial aid available
Acceptance rate/Cohort size: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter)
Application deadline: Varies by cohort (January, May, September, and November cycles)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students who are able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual program where you work with startups and non-profits from around the world. During the internship, you will work directly with a startup team and contribute to a real-world project that addresses a specific need for the organization. Projects span various areas, including biomedicine and health tech. Throughout the program, you will work closely with a manager or mentor at the startup who guides your progress and provides feedback on your work. This structure allows you to gain professional experience in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while developing skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. At the end of the internship, you will present your project and outcomes, demonstrating the impact of your work and the insights you gained during the program. Apply now!
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here, check out students’ reviews of the program here and here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.