Our organization will work with interns and their colleges or universities to offer academic credit; however, it is the intern’s responsibility to arrange this. Wild Paws will provide necessary documentation as appropriate.

We are not accepting applications at this time. Subscribe to our Newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates on when we will be accepting applications. 

Below is a list of potential internships for Wild Paws:

Animal Husbandry Internship

Participation in this internship program is a unique and exciting way to gain valuable experience in the field of Animal Husbandry.

Interns will assist animal caretakers in routine responsibilities and duties including (but not necessarily limited to):

• Behavioral observation of the residents

• Preparation and dispensing of diets

• Cleaning animal enclosures

• Record keeping

• Designing and giving enrichment

• Enclosure construction

• General grounds maintenance

• Public speaking

Interns will gain an in-depth understanding of the species we rescue and become familiar with the histories of individual animals, as well as be exposed to both the captive wildlife trade and the threats to their species in the wild. Interns will be assigned a project which will be discussed and designed with the Animal Care Team. They will also be permitted to observe veterinary procedures and assist in research projects, as appropriate.

Animal husbandry interns are required to have proof of tetanus and pre-exposure rabies vaccinations. Candidates must have excellent communication skills and a strong work ethic. Applicants for the Animal Husbandry internship must also be enrolled or have recently graduated from a college or university with animal behavior, wildlife management or related major.

Animal Health Internship

This is a great opportunity for an individual seeking experience in the veterinary health and management of carnivores. Interns will work alongside the Vet and Animal Care team.

Interns will see to the health and well-being of the animal residents. Responsibilities and duties include (but are not limited to): 

• Daily animal husbandry of hospitalized and quarantined animals

• Assisting with lab duties and treatments

• Record keeping

• General facility support and maintenance

They will also support the Vet and Animal Care team in routine exams and emergency procedures. Participation in such events is on a supervised basis dependent on the medical situation as well as the intern’s knowledge and competency. Interns will also be responsible for behavioral and wellness monitoring of appropriate residents. 

Animal health interns are required to have proof of tetanus and pre-exposure rabies vaccinations. Candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills. Interns will be assigned a project which will be discussed and designed with the Wild Paws Veterinary team. Applicants for the Animal Health internship must also be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a college or university with a major in veterinary science or a related area of study.

Education Internship

Education interns will be directly involved with the outreach for the organization and will play a critical role in educating the public about captive wildlife issues. The education intern will be involved with updating, developing, and presenting programs that are both educational and engaging. Outreach activities will be conducted both on- and off-site.

Our goal for this position is to create an opportunity to blend one’s passion for conservation and restoring appropriate animal and human relationships with his/her enthusiasm to assist us in educating the public about our organization and its mission.

Responsibilities and duties include, (but are not limited to):

• Deliver informal public presentations on programs that directly relate to Wild Paws’ mission to a variety of audiences. Topics may include:

  • Life science

  • Conservation

  • Captive animal issues

  • Sustainable choices

• Assist the Education team in curriculum development and administrative duties.

Interns will receive training in interpretive techniques and relevant species information, resident history, captive wildlife trade issues, and threats to animals in the wild. They will also receive training in preparing and delivering engaging presentations and experiential learning sessions. Interns will be assigned a project which will be discussed and designed with the Wild Paws Education team.

An individual with a basic understanding of life science principles and native carnivore knowledge is preferred. Applicants for the Education internship must also be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a college or university with a major in education.

Horticulture Internship

This program offers practical hands-on experience to those interested in the field of animal facilities and habitat horticulture.

The Horticulture intern will gain experience in basic concepts and practices including, but not limited to:

• Tool care

• Water management and conservation

• Native plants

• Erosion control

• Agriculture

• Proper pruning techniques

• Scheduling harvests

• Lawn maintenance

• Basic landscape design

• Management of plant collections grown for the benefit of Wild Paws animals and visitors

They will also assist in the agriculture of dietary and environmental enrichment for the animals. Understanding of basic horticulture practices and native species in preferred. Applicants for the Horticulture internship must also be enrolled in or have recently graduated from a college or university with a major in botany or a related field.