If you’re an animal lover, chances are you have considered a career in animal healthcare. Apart from a passion and affinity for animals, a career in the veterinary technology field requires professionals to have not only sufficient textbook knowledge but also hands-on experience with animals.
Considering the wide range of specialties available in the field and the fact that every animal has different systems and temperaments, proficiency can only be earned after working with enough patients and directly seeing a good number of cases. It also helps to observe senior veterinarians, vet techs, and assistants at work during surgeries and other major procedures to gain a microscopic understanding of the details that matter.
The good news is that several animal care centers and vet technology programs offer internship and externship opportunities. Whether you are interested in wildlife care or small animal medicine, there are programs available in every field.
Vet technology internships are generally three- to twelve-month experiences that require students to be present at work five days a week. While some offer a stipend, others may not. These programs are ideal for students currently pursuing a veterinary technology or a registered vet technician program. Most of these programs do not accept international students.
Externship opportunities, on the other hand, are similar to internships, but much shorter in duration. As an extern, students might not get as much hands-on experience, but they do get an opportunity to shadow veterinary professionals, ask questions, and get an empirical view of their career. A number of externships also accept international students and are generally unpaid.
Students opting for a vet tech internship or externship get to observe—and in some cases, help perform—routine procedures such as anesthesia, immobilization, and surgical preparation. Many programs also let students spend some time in specialized departments such as radiology, hematology, oncology, cardiology, and surgery. All in all, these are valuable experiences that help students gain expertise in areas they might want to specialize in.
Below are some opportunities for students looking for vet tech internships or externships.
Veterinary Technician Internship Program – University of Florida Health
University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine currently offers the following internship programs as of May 2026:
- Food animal reproduction and medicine internship
- Zoological companion animal primary care and emergency medicine internship
- Large animal surgery internship
- Rotating internship in zoological, small and large animal medicine and surgery
- Shelter medicine internship
- Small animal medicine and surgery rotating internship
- Small animal surgery internship
- Surgical oncology internship
These are all one-year internships.
In order to apply for the programs, students must be graduates of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and be eligible to sit for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE). They must submit an application form, two letters of recommendation, a letter of interest, official veterinary technology program transcripts, and documentation of their degree and credentials.
- Location: University of Florida Health, College of Veterinary Medicine (Gainesville, Florida)
- Duration: One year
- Who Should Apply: Candidates who are interested in clinical exposure to a wide variety of veterinary disciplines and research opportunities. Some of the internships qualify for residency programs.
- Salary: Not disclosed
Veterinary Technician Internship – The Marine Mammal Center
The Marine Mammal Center, a globally renowned mammal hospital known for rehabilitating animals as well as education and research, offers internships and externships in the Teaching Hospital. Current offers as of April 2026 include:
- Zoo & Aquarium Professional Development Program for Veterinary Technicians
- Veterinary Technician Externship for Licensed Technicians and Recent Veterinary Technician Graduates
- Veterinary Technician Externship for Students Receiving Academic Credit
The hospital treats about 600 to 800 sick marine mammals each year, including sea otters, phocids, cetaceans, and otariids. The internship provides an opportunity for students to care for these animals, along with hospital staff and volunteers. Some of the responsibilities of the interns include preparing medical charts, handling animals, and preparing medication. The interns are trained in studying animal behavior and in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals.
The program requires students to be enrolled in their second year or equivalent of an accredited veterinary technician program. Applicants must submit an online application, resume, two letters of recommendation, two references, and proof of medical insurance.
- Location: The Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito, California)
- Duration: Varies
- Who Should Apply: Candidates looking to work closely with marine mammals
- Salary: Unpaid position, but temporary housing may be available
Veterinary Technician Internship – White Oak Conservation
White Oak Conservation houses about 3,000 animals from 30 different exotic species. Its veterinary internship program is an opportunity for candidates to work in the zoo and with wildlife for six months.
Interns work closely with exotic wild animals and be prepared for an entry-level job in a zoo or wildlife facility. During the internship, candidates gain valuable experience in wildlife care. They assist in surgical procedures, including anesthesia, immobilization, and setup. Additionally, they are involved in conducting bloodwork, radiology, fecal exams, neonatal care, and some routine hospital maintenance tasks. Interns accepted into this program are expected to work 40 hours per week, including rotating on-call and emergency shifts, and assist with data entry.
In order to be eligible for the internship, candidates must have graduated from an AVMA-accredited vet tech program and have a year of experience as a credentialed veterinary technician. The application process requires candidates to submit their resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
- Location: White Oak Conservation (Yulee, Florida)
- Duration: Six months
- Who Should Apply: Veterinary technicians intending to work in a zoo or wildlife facility
- Salary: Monthly stipend
Veterinary Technician Internship – Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center
The Zoo warns that this is “not an animal care internship. This is an internship with the Education Department working with our summer camp kids. You will work with our education animal collection to give programs but will not be involved in the daily care/feeding of these animals.” However, vet techs may still find an internship beneficial.
The Zoo is a living classroom, and interns will gain knowledge of how a zoo operates behind the scenes. Their duties will consist of preparing activities for children aged 6-12 as part of the Zoo’s Education and Conservation Department. They will receive training as animal handlers and learn how to give presentations with a variety of animals.
Applicants should submit a cover letter and a resume.
- Location: Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center (Topeka, Kansas)
- Duration: May through July
- Who Should Apply: Registered veterinary technicians looking for further experience working with wildlife
- Salary: An hourly wage/40 hours a week
Veterinary Technician Internship – San Diego Zoo Global
San Diego Zoo Global offers a veterinary technician internship program for students looking to make a career in exotic animal medicine. Interns work under the supervision of veterinary technicians and staff vets. They assist in day-to-day care of animals in the hospital, as well as helping to create and implement ways to promote species-specific natural behavior. They will learn the care requirements of specific wildlife species while also learning about conservation.
Applicants to the program must be able to perform tasks that may require lifting, bending, or working outdoors in various weather conditions. Experience of working with animals or volunteering in animal-related organizations is preferred but not required. Applicants must either be pursuing an undergraduate degree or plan on pursuing one. They must also submit a resume and cover letter detailing how the internship aligns with their career goals and relevant experience.
- Location: San Diego Zoo Global (San Diego, California)
- Duration: Ten weeks
- Who Should Apply: Graduates looking for experience with wildlife care and conservation
- Salary: Paid, with a stipend to help cover living expenses
Veterinary Technician Internship – Texas A&M University
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University partners with the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center for research studies of the Center’s managed herds. The Center specializes in captive breeding programs for indigenous and exotic endangered or threatened species. Several types of internships are available. As of April 2026, these include:
- Veterinary technician internship – one student each season during spring, summer, and fall
- Prairie grouse conservation internship – three students during chick season
- Animal discoveries internship – two students per season during spring, summer, and fall
- Rhino internship – one student per season during spring, summer, and fall
- The Whitfield Collins carnivore internship – one student per season during spring, summer, and fall
Different levels of education are required for the various internships. Applicants may apply for more than one internship.
Candidates applying to the internships must have a driver’s license, undergo a background check and drug testing, and submit a cover letter. International students must have a J1 or B1 visa before arrival.
- Location: Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, Texas
- Duration: Varies
- Who Should Apply: Vet tech program graduates looking to work with ranch animals
- Salary: Monthly stipend, free housing, and transportation provided when needed
Animal Hospital Vet Tech Internship – The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo’s veterinary department offers a vet tech internship for students pursuing a vet tech degree at an AVMA-accredited institute. Recent graduates from a vet tech program can also be considered for the position.
Candidates get an opportunity to work with veterinary technicians performing various procedures. Students observe and assist in the Zoo Laboratory, clean and restock the hospital, clean up after procedures, and also be in charge of record-keeping.
To be eligible, students must also be able to carry 50 pounds; lift, unload, and push heavy carts; and be willing to work in all types of weather. They must also be able to commit to eight hours per day for at least three days a week, for a minimum of 144 hours during the semester.
- Location: Maryland Zoo (Baltimore, Maryland)
- Duration: One semester
- Who Should Apply: Students interested in working as a vet technician at a zoo
- Salary: Unpaid
Veterinary Technician Internship – Minnesota Zoo
Minnesota Zoo’s Animal Health Department offers a veterinary technician internship for students enrolled in an accredited vet tech program. Students get a chance to work closely with birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Interns work with a team of veterinarians, certified vet technicians, and other animal care staff. Lastly, they will also be expected to do some record keeping and lab work.
The program requires applicants to have completed classes on surgery and anesthesia. They should also be comfortable working outdoors, in all types of weather. It is also a plus if interns think on their feet and are highly motivated.
All internships for 2026 are currently filled. Interested vet techs are encouraged to apply now for 2027 openings.
- Location: Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley, Minnesota)
- Duration: Twelve weeks
- Who Should Apply: Candidates pursuing a career in wildlife, zoo, or exotic animal care
- Salary: Unpaid
Wildlife Veterinary Technician Externship – PAWS Wildlife Center
The PAWS Wildlife Center offers a three- to four-week externship program for candidates who want to work with wildlife. The Center receives about 5,000 wild animals from more than 200 different species at their rehabilitation facility. The animals include marine life, large carnivores, as well as urban wildlife.
The externship is an exclusive opportunity for candidates to gain valuable work experience in the capture and restraint of wild animals, as well as surgical nursing, parasitology, hematology, radiology, husbandry, critical care, and wildlife ethics. They work with a team of experts including a veterinarian, a staff veterinary technician, and other animal care staff.
The program requires applicants to be enrolled in their final year of an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program and have at least some prior experience working with wildlife. Additionally, candidates should be able to follow protocol, lift 40 pounds, and work well with hospital staff and volunteers.
The application process includes submission of an application form, curriculum vitae or resume, official veterinary technology program transcripts, a letter of intent, and three letters of reference. As available externships fill up two years in advance, students are advised to apply during the summer after their second year of veterinary technician program.
- Location: PAWS Wildlife Center (Lynnwood, Washington)
- Duration: Three to four weeks, five working days per week
- Who Should Apply: Candidates with a strong desire to work with wildlife
Veterinary Externship Program – Banfield Pet Hospital
Banfield Pet Hospital offers a two- to eight-week veterinary technician externship program. As part of the program, students get an opportunity to work with mentors and a team of Banfield professionals.
Candidates work with small animals and get a first-hand look at interaction with clients and working as a professional vet tech. Under the supervision of a senior vet professional, they can help perform duties such as taking case histories of patients, performing physical exams, developing therapeutic plans, and assisting in medical cases. The externship is also a great opportunity for students to brush up on their communication and technical skills.
Applicants to the program must be enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician program and be authorized to work in the US.
- Location: Banfield Pet Hospitals (multiple U.S. locations)
- Duration: Two to eight weeks
- Who Should Apply: Candidates interested in gaining a first-hand view of working as a small animal veterinary technician
- Salary: Competitive hourly wage
Veterinary Technician Externship – Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital
The Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital offers a veterinary technician externship program for students. The externships provide a valuable learning experience to students under the guidance of a licensed vet technician.
Students gain knowledge in a wide range of equine veterinary and hospital procedures such as surgery, radiology, reproduction, medicine, ambulatory practice, and laboratory. They get a chance to closely observe and learn from equine experts in anaesthesiology, cardiology, ophthalmology, reproduction, and internal medicine. The hospital staff ensures that the procedures are explained properly to the externs, so they can make the most of this opportunity.
In order to apply, students must be enrolled in an accredited veterinary technician program and submit the externship application and a letter of reference.
- Location: Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital (Lexington, Kentucky)
- Duration: Up to three weeks
- Who Should Apply: Students interested in working in an equine care facility
- Salary: Unpaid, but housing is provided
Veterinary Technician Student Internship – Zoo Atlanta
The Atlanta-Fulton County Zoo offers a veterinary technician internship for final year students in an accredited program. The position is voluntary and works under the supervision of a senior vet technician and zoo veterinarians. The internship focuses on preventive medicine, specialized procedures, and husbandry of various species.
Students get the opportunity to handle equipment during routine procedures and learn the lingo of exotic animal medicine. The procedures take place at the zoo veterinary and other cooperating facilities. Students should plan to work a maximum of 32 hours per week for a maximum of 12 weeks during the semester.
Applicants to the externship must be in their last year of an accredited veterinary technician program or have graduated in the last two years, be able to lift 30 pounds and be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather. They must also undergo a background check, a motor vehicle check, and drug testing. They must also submit a cover letter, resume, and letter of recommendation.
Currently, the Zoo does not have funding for internships in 2026. They are working on acquiring funding for future opportunities.
- Location: Zoo Atlanta (Atlanta, Georgia)
- Duration: Two to four months
- Who Should Apply: Students looking to pursue a career in exotic animal medicine
- Salary: Stipend
Vet Tech Internship – Brookfield Zoo
Students interested in working with a variety of animals can consider the vet tech internship program offered by the Brookfield Zoo.
Students work with the veterinary staff to take care of the patients in the zoo’s modern hospital. They assist vet technicians in a wide range of procedures while learning daily animal care, and enrichment. They will complete an independent project based on their skills and interests.
Applicants must have at least one year of college and experience. The application process involves the submission of a cover letter, resume, official transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
- Location: Chicago Zoological Society (Brookfield, Illinois)
- Duration: Twelve weeks
- Who Should Apply: Students currently pursuing the veterinary technician certificate, with a keen interest in aquatic and zoo animals
Some facilities participate in the Veterinary Internship & Residency Matching Program (VIRMP), sponsored by the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians (AAVC). Individuals may access participating internships in each state through the VIRMP search function.
Aspiring vet techs can also find additional internship opportunities here.
