Student Internships
WHO: The Penn Vet Working Dog Center serves as a national research and development center and training center for scent detection dogs.
WHY: Our dogs are trained to find victims of disasters; detect explosives, narcotics, invasive species, and diseases in humans and animals; apprehend criminals; and conduct search & rescue missions. As pioneers in the working dog field, our goal is to increase collaborative research and the application of the newest scientific findings and veterinary expertise to optimize the performance of lifesaving detection dogs.
WHAT: The Penn Vet Working Dog Center is excited to offer internships to college students seeking academic credit within the guidelines of their academic institution, or to those seeking a meaningful experience during a “gap year” before continuing their education. Please note, these are unpaid internships. Internships are available in, but not exclusive to, the areas of dog training, behavioral science, canine fitness, psychology, law enforcement, bio-med, and canine olfaction research. Our internship program is designed for students with a serious interest in working dogs to gain practical experience while helping the Penn Vet Working Dog Center achieve their mission of developing a detection dog breeding and training program that will implement, test, and disseminate the knowledge gained.
What you can expect:
- Daily hands-on interaction with working dogs in training
- Opportunity to learn about dog training and scientific research
- Daily guidance from trainers and veterinary staff when available
- Helping to maintain the well-being of our dogs and their training environment
Note that some internship positions may require rigorous activity
WHERE: The Penn Vet Working Dog Center is located at: Pennovation Works (South Bank Campus), 3401 Grays Ferry Avenue, Building 470, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146. Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the student.
WHEN: Internships are available during the school year (intersession) and during the summer. We are pleased to announce a new internship opportunity specifically for students who are taking a “gap year” and are seeking meaningful opportunities for a portion of that time.
Intersession Interns
Requirements
Minimum 12 week commitment
Minimum 15 hours per week, typically 3 days per week, 5 hours per day
Unpaid position
Completion of project/research summary (if required by your institution)
18+ years of age
Attendance and punctuality
Adherence to dress code: long pants, closed-toed shoes, long-sleeve shirt, work gloves, treat bag, clicker, leash
Flexibility and willingness to learn
Proof of full COVID vaccination required
Application Deadline
Rolling admission
2023 Summer Internships
Traditional Summer Internship
May 31 through August 11, 2023
Application deadline is March 24, 2023
OR
NEW! Gap Year Experience, for recent high school or college graduates
July 26 through October 6, 2023
Application deadline is May 26, 2023
Requirements
Monday through Friday , 35 hours/week (work hours may vary)
Unpaid position
Completion of project/research summary, if required by your institution
18+ years of age
Attendance and punctuality
Adherence to dress code: long pants, closed-toed shoes, long-sleeve shirt, work gloves, treat bag, clicker, leash
Flexibility and willingness to learn
Proof of full COVID vaccination required
Application Process for all internships
Email your resume, cover letter, availability, and one letter of reference to PVWDC Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at pvwdcoutreach@vet.upenn.edu. For additional information visit our website www.vet.upenn.edu/working-dog-center or call 215-898-2200.
Questions? Contact PVWDC Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at pvwdcoutreach@vet.upenn.edu
Veteran Fellowship
We appreciate the men and women who have served our country and recognize the special contributions that American soldiers make to the future generation of working dogs being training at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center.
We have partnered with organizations on campus to provide opportunities for Veterans wishing to continue to serve at home.