Volunteering at Penn Vet

Ryan Hospital Volunteer Program

• Penn Vet's Ryan Hospital for companion animals is committed to making a positive contribution to the Philadelphia community. One way community outreach and support is accomplished is by offering a competitive volunteer program for interested, driven, and dedicated individuals. 

  Why Volunteer?

  Volunteers are a valuable asset not only to the community-at-large, but also to our team of veterinarians, students and staff. Each volunteer accepted into this prestigious program gains access to the inside world of academic veterinary medicine. Our volunteers are a valued and respected part of the team.

  Make a Difference - Volunteer Today

  Penn Vet is one of the nation's most respected veterinary schools. Recently designated as one of the nation's first veterinary trauma centers by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (ACVECC), Ryan Hospital stands out among its peers with respect to its expertise and level of compassionate care.

  Located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ryan Hospital specializes in delivering the most advanced care available to an array of companion animals. We treat more than 30,000 patients annually from dogs and cats to lizards and ferrets, offering more than 20 specialty areas.

  Requirements for the Ryan Hospital Volunteer Program

  • Volunteers are required to be at least 18 years of age and be available to work a minimum of eight (8) hours per week.
  • Volunteers accepted into the program must carry their own health insurance.
  • Duties may include assisting the medical staff with patient needs as well as stocking, cleaning, delivering and retrieving medications and supplies.
  • Please Note: Students whose aim is to apply to professional school, must complete two semesters of service as a Ryan Hospital volunteer before requesting consideration for recommendation letters.

  Apply Online to Volunteer at Ryan Hospital

  Download an Application (PDF)

  If you choose to download the Volunteer application, please fill it out and mail it to:

  Volunteer Program
  Ryan Veterinary Hospital
  Penn Vet
  3900 Delancey Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19104

New Bolton Center Volunteer Program

• Located in Kennett Square, PA, New Bolton Center treats horses, food animals such as cows, pigs, and goats, and camelids such as Alpacas. We appreciate your interest in our volunteer program and we hope that the time you invest in volunteering will provide the large animal experience you seek.

  Responsibilities

  Volunteer responsibilities vary, but typically include:

  • Transporting patients to and from various appointments within the hospital
  • Assissting with routine daily care of patients, including grooming and feeding
  • Assisting with monitoring of patients and medical procedures

  We will assess the level of large animal experience you bring, which will determine in part what level of patient contact is best, varying from observation to hands-on care.

  Volunteer Requirements

  To volunteer at New Bolton Center, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Have health insurance
  • Complete and sign a waiver form
  • Have some large animal experience and/or interest

  Availability

  We are a 24-hour facility, and our care is divided in three shifts. If volunteer supervision allows, we will try to cover all three shifts with volunteer support.

• Apply online to New Bolton Center's Volunteer Program

• Contact

  Wendy Keeler
  Phone: 610-444-5800
  Ask the operator to page Wendy Keeler
  Email: wmcnatt@vet.upenn.edu