Neonatal Kitten Care Internship

This opportunity will expose participants to the animal care processes of supporting orphaned kittens. Participation in this program will allow students to develop transferable, real-world skills in the areas of animal handling, animal welfare, animal behavior, animal health and teamwork.

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Reports To

Operations Assistant
Director of Animal Welfare

Hours and Schedule

Each internship is an unpaid position working a minimum of 10 hours per week to be scheduled during normal business hours for three months. The exact schedule can be determined between the intern and the department managers. Individual experiences may be custom arranged based upon program requirements.

Learning Goals and Objectives

1. Learn proper sanitation and cleaning techniques used in environments housing animals.
2. Understand how to fulfill neonatal kitten care including feeding, socialization, and weighing.
3. Learn to provide supplemental medical care, such as syringe feeding and fluid administration.
4. Develop interpersonal skills while working with a variety of staff and volunteers.

Job Duties

Interns attend an orientation and cat handling training course. Interns are expected to work a regularly scheduled shift that includes, but not limited to:

• Daily care of kittens including kennel cleaning, feeding, watering, weighing, dishes, and laundry.
• Assist with preparing kittens for foster homes, which could include, but is not limited to, assisting with fluid administration, blood draws, and collecting fecal samples.
• Provide feline enrichment and socialization.
• Report medical and behavioral observations.
• Provide supplemental medical care including syringe feeding and fluid administration.

Abilities and Experience

• At least 19 years of age.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Basic animal handling skills
• Ability to work effectively and independently without supervision as well as working well with others.
• Flexibility and willingness to learn and to try new things.
• Ability to be comfortable being exposed emotionally and physically demanding situations.
• Ability to be comfortable around unpleasant situations that can include dealing with blood and animal waste.

What we need from you

• A cover letter explaining credentials and career goals
• At least two references
• Your school's requirement for independent study (if applicable)
• Completed application

 Click here to apply