An Animal Care Worker or Manager manages animal care and grooming for a retail store that sells pets or for a pet grooming business. May also provide animal care and grooming at a kennel. Works with animals in shelters or rescue organizations. Works primarily with dogs and cats. Assists veterinarians with vaccinations or other procedures; screens people who want to adopt an animal from a shelter and provides information about caring for animals.
Open to students and recent graduates seeking academic credit or structured career training
Schedule Options:
40 hrs/week for 4 months, 30 hrs/week for 6 months, or 20 hrs/week for 8 months
Typical Hours:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (schedule may include weekends and holidays, arranged in advance) Program Support This is an unpaid educational training program designed primarily for the intern's academic and professional development, consistent with nonprofit internship guidelines. Participants receive a $75.00 per week training stipend to help offset costs throughout the entire program, and interns on the 4-month track may alternatively request on-site housing support instead of the stipend. There are no fees or costs required to participate. Upon successful completion, participants receive hands-on skills training, a certificate of completion, and a letter of recommendation to support future employment in animal care, sanctuary, and conservation roles. Details are provided during the interview process. About the Opportunity Chase Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservancy offers an immersive Animal Care Specialist training program for students and early-career individuals seeking hands-on experience in wildlife care, sanctuary operations, and conservation education. This program is designed to mirror the training a zookeeper-track professional would receive, within a nonprofit sanctuary setting where animal welfare, ethical interactions, and conservation come first. Participants are trained as active members of the animal care team while also learning to lead guest tours and deliver conservation education. About Chase Sanctuary Chase Sanctuary & Wildlife Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing exotic animals and advancing conservation through education, habitat development, and species preservation. We currently care for 240+ animals across 70+ species, including a population of endangered primates such as Ruffed Lemurs and Cotton-top Tamarins, along with a diverse collection of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Species you may train with include lemurs, tamarins, marmosets, two-toed sloths, otters, anteaters, kangaroos, tortoises, macaws, toucans, and more. Many of our animals were rescued from the exotic pet trade — interns learn to support animals with complex behavioral and medical histories. What Makes This Program Different Combines animal care training with public education experience. Hands-on learning across 70+ species. Emphasis on sanctuary ethics and welfare-based practices. Exposure to real conservation and species-preservation work.
Training Areas Animal Care & Husbandry:
learn diet preparation and feeding routines across species, support habitat cleaning and maintenance, practice health and behavior monitoring, and assist with enrichment programs.
Education & Guest Engagement:
learn to lead guided tours and interactive experiences, practice conservation storytelling and public communication, and train under structured safety and welfare protocols.
Sanctuary Operations:
support volunteer coordination, assist with outreach and fundraising initiatives, and learn facility and safety operations.
Structured Curriculum Includes:
animal nutrition systems, enclosure safety procedures, behavior observation techniques, public communication and tour guiding, and daily sanctuary operations. This training program is designed to help prepare participants for future roles at facilities regulated by USDA, FWC, and AAZK standards. Work Environment This is a hands-on, outdoor training environment involving physical activity such as walking, standing, and lifting throughout the day. Reasonable accommodations can be discussed for candidates who may need them. Participants are expected to follow safety protocols consistently, maintain a professional and respectful attitude, and follow sanctuary dress and safety guidelines. Ideal Candidate Pursuing or holding a degree in Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, or a related field. Strong interest in animal welfare and conservation. Able to participate in outdoor, active work with or without accommodation. Strong communication skills for guest interaction. Reliable and team-oriented. Program Benefits Hands-on training with 70+ species. Real-world sanctuary and conservation experience. Public speaking and education experience. Mentorship from experienced animal care professionals. Letter of recommendation upon successful completion. Ideal for those pursuing careers in zoos, sanctuaries, conservation organizations, or animal behavior fields. Time Off Policy All time off must be requested and approved prior to the start of the program. Unapproved absences may affect program completion status. How to Apply Submit your resume through our application link: chasesanctuary.org/internship
