INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Shelter Medicine Veterinary Externship Program

CompanyAnimal Friends
LocationKilbuck Township
Work ModeOn Site
PostedJanuary 23, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Participants will work closely with veterinarians and other staff to provide lifesaving care for homeless animals. They will have opportunities to observe and participate in advanced medical procedures and surgical techniques.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
112
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
For more than 82 years, Animal Friends has been saving, impacting, engaging, enriching and affecting the lives of the pets and people of our region. Since our humble beginnings in 1943, we have grown into a full-service companion animal welfare organization serving the pets and people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area.
About the Role

Description

Animal Friends’ Shelter Medicine Externship Program gives students the opportunity to gain valuable, hands-on experience by taking what has been taught in a classroom and applying it in our shelter. Students in this program will work closely with our Veterinarians, Certified Veterinarian Technicians, Behavior Specialist, Adoptions and Admissions Counselors as well as other staff as part of their experience.


The Shelter Medicine Veterinary Technician Externship Program is based out of the Caryl Gates Gluck Resource Center, which serves as a hub for our rescue and rehoming efforts. Our mission is to drive progressive standard of care that sets the bar for no-kill shelter medicine.Participants will work on a team that provides lifesaving care for our homeless animal residents. Whether they are with us for days, weeks, months or even years, our level of commitment to the dogs, cats and rabbits in our care is unwavering. 


Unlike traditional small animal private practice, Shelter medicine blends individual patient care with population health management. In the absence of owner consultations, strong investigative skills and teamwork is key to determining the best treatment plan. Whether a basic physical examination or an advanced treatment protocol, Animal Friends’ Shelter Medicine team is committed to providing our animals the highest-quality, comfortable, healthy experience while in our care.


The Shelter Medicine Veterinary Technician Externship Program provides students with the experience to complete their veterinary technician education. Externs have many opportunities for participating in or observing advanced medical procedures and surgical techniques while interacting with staff who are excited to meet and mentor future veterinary professionals.

Requirements

  • Must be enrolled in an Accredited Veterinary Technology Program.
  • Must have a sincere interest in the vision, mission and culture of Animal Friends.


If you are a Veterinary Technician student, please consider applying with Animal Friends as one of your formal externship credit blocks!


Please note this is an unpaid externship.

Key Skills
Veterinary MedicineAnimal CareTeamworkInvestigative SkillsSurgical TechniquesBehavior ManagementPopulation Health ManagementClient Communication
Categories
HealthcareEducationSocial Services