Are you interested in a career in veterinary medicine and want hands-on experience working with animals? Humane Fort Wayne's Veterinary Care Internship provides students with the opportunity to learn about veterinary medicine while building practical skills in a supportive, real-world clinic environment.
This is a progressive learning experience. As you demonstrate knowledge, competency, confidence, and safe animal-handling skills, you'll have opportunities to learn new responsibilities and expand your clinical skills.
What You'll Learn & Do Clinic & Wellness Care
- Help prepare for wellness and vaccine clinics.
- Prepare and maintain clean, organized exam rooms.
- Assist with vaccines, medications, prescriptions, and routine patient care as trained.
- Learn how diagnostic samples are prepared and handled.
Surgical Services
- Assist with patient intake, preparation, recovery, and discharge.
- Prepare and maintain surgical areas.
- Help with surgical supplies, packs, cleaning, and sanitation.
- Learn about anesthesia and patient monitoring as skills develop.
- Assist veterinary staff during procedures.
- Learn and follow High Quality, High Volume Spay & Neuter (HQHVSN) protocols.
Animal Handling
- Safely handle and restrain dogs and cats of different sizes and temperaments.
- Learn to recognize fearful, stressed, aggressive, or medically concerning behavior.
- Use appropriate PPE and animal-handling equipment.
- Assist with moving and transporting patients.
- Learn when to ask for help and recognize your own handling limitations.
Teamwork & Professional Development
- Work alongside veterinary, shelter, customer service, and administrative teams.
- Learn about clinic medicine, animal welfare, and professional veterinary practices.
- Develop skills that can help prepare you for a future career as a veterinary assistant, RVT, or veterinarian.
Who Should Apply?
- Current high school or college student, ages 16–22.
- Strong interest in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
- Excited to learn and comfortable working with dogs and cats.
- Able to follow instructions, accept feedback, and work as part of a team.
- Committed to the mission of Humane Fort Wayne and improving the lives of animals.
Preferred Experience
- Previous animal handling, shelter, veterinary clinic, or pet care experience.
- Veterinary science coursework or classes.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills.
Physical & Work Environment
This is a hands-on position in an active veterinary and animal care environment. Interns should be comfortable standing for extended periods, bending, reaching, climbing, and lifting 50+ pounds. The role includes exposure to animals, cleaning products, fur, dust, and typical clinic and veterinary odors.
Interns should also understand that working in animal welfare can involve difficult situations, including animal illness, medical complications, and euthanasia.
Start Building Your Veterinary Career Gain real-world experience, learn from veterinary professionals, and discover what it's like to work in veterinary medicine. If you're ready to learn, get hands-on experience, and make a difference for animals, we'd love to hear from you!
