Location: Pinole, CA (PetSmart location, ~15 minutes north of Berkeley)
Type: On-site
Reports to: Hospital Staff
Pay Rate: Unpaid (course credit available)
Status: Part-Time Internship (10+ hours/week, 10+ weeks)
Make a Life-Saving Difference
At Berkeley Humane, every medical treatment helps give an animal a second chance. As a Veterinary Hospital Intern, you will support the care of shelter animals and gain hands-on clinical experience in a fast-paced hospital setting. Your work will directly contribute to animal health, recovery, and adoption readiness.
What You’ll Do
- Work closely with hospital staff to support daily animal care
- Assist with feeding, cleaning, and maintaining safe, healthy housing
- Support basic medical procedures and treatments
- Assist with surgical preparation and post-surgery recovery
- Monitor animal health and report observations to staff
- Maintain accurate records and enter data into systems
- Support administrative tasks as needed
- Interact with clients in a professional and compassionate manner
What You Bring
- Interest in veterinary medicine, pre-vet or veterinary students preferred
- Experience handling animals, including volunteer experience
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Comfort using or learning new computer systems
- Passion for animal welfare and clinical care
You’re a Great Fit IF You
- Are excited to gain hands-on veterinary and shelter medicine experience
- Thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
- Stay calm and focused while working with animals in a medical setting
- Are reliable, responsible, and eager to learn
Requirements
- Commit at least 10 hours per week for 10+ weeks
- Available primarily Tuesday through Friday
- Comfortable working with unfamiliar animals
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs
- Able to bend, stoop, squat, reach, and move moderately heavy objects
- No severe allergies to animals
- Comfortable with loud environments and exposure to animal fluids
Why Berkeley Humane
Every procedure, treatment, and moment of care helps an animal move closer to a home. In this role, you will build real-world veterinary skills while making a direct impact on animal health and welfare. You will gain hands-on experience that prepares you for future careers in veterinary medicine while helping save lives every day.
TO APPLY
Applications are accepted three times per year according to the schedule below (with flexibility for school schedules):
- Winter: Approximately Jan 1 – May 31 (Applications Accepted Nov 15 – Dec 15)
- Summer: Approximately June 1 – Aug 30 (Applications Accepted Apr 1 – Apr 20)
- Fall: Approximately Sept 1 – Dec 31 (Applications Accepted July 15 – Aug 15)
To apply, please download and complete a Hospital Internship Application. Completed applications should be submitted with a cover letter and resume to nrivas@berkeleyhumane.org. Submission does not guarantee acceptance into the program.