PAWS Wildlife Center offers three- to four-week wildlife medicine rotations for veterinary students in their clinical year. Externships are available from April 1 through September 30 every year.
We receive approximately 5,000 wild animals each year at our rehabilitation center and hospital, representing more than 200 different species of native wildlife, including large carnivores, raptors, marine species, and urban wildlife.
The veterinary externs work closely with the staff wildlife veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, and rehabilitation staff. This program encompasses all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation, including admission, handling and restraint, physical examination, husbandry, critical care, anesthesia, radiography, wound management, surgery, hematology, and release criteria. Externs may be able to perform minor veterinary procedures under the supervision of the staff veterinarians and assist with routine animal care.
Applications are accepted any time; however, as available externship blocks fill up to 2 years in advance, the ideal time to apply is during the summer following the second year of North American veterinary programs. Transcripts must reflect successful completion of at least three semesters of a professional veterinary curriculum.
To be included in the annual selection process, complete applications should be received by September 1 of the third year of veterinary school.
Desired applicant qualifications
- Veterinary students enrolled in the final clinical year of veterinary school (fourth year in US and Canadian veterinary colleges, or fifth/sixth year in many international veterinary programs).
- Ability to follow hospital protocol and maintain accurate records.
- Ability to work well with staff, volunteers, and the public.
- Prior experience working with wildlife.
- Proficiency in written and spoken English language and medical terminology.
Terms of externship
- A three- to four-week commitment is required. A five-day workweek is expected, with some evenings included.
- Students must provide their own transportation.
- Students must arrange their own housing.
Application Instructions
Complete the online application and submit the following in a pdf format:
- A letter of intent describing your career goals and reasons for wanting to participate in the Wildlife Medicine Externship program at PAWS.
- Your curriculum vitae or resume.
- Veterinary school transcripts (copies are acceptable).
- Three letters of reference.
Email application materials to:
nrosenhagen@paws.org
Questions?
For questions or more information email Dr. Nicki Rosenhagen at nrosenhagen@paws.org.