Student Internships
The Penn Vet Working Dog Center is excited to offer internships to college students or to those seeking a meaningful experience during a gap year before continuing their education.
Please note, these are unpaid internships and require a minimum of 350 hours.
Internships are relevant to many areas of study including behavioral science, canine fitness, psychology, law enforcement, biology and canine olfaction research.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT:
- Daily hands-on interaction with working dogs in training
- Opportunity to learn about dog training and scientific research
LOCATION: 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.
Intersession Internships
Requirements
Minimum 12 week commitment
Minimum 20 hours per week, typically 3 days per week. Must meet 350 hour commitment.
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
Application Deadline
Rolling admission
2025 Summer Internships
Traditional Summer Internship
June 2 through August 8, 2025 (must complete 10 weeks or 350 hours)
Application deadline: March 28, 2025
Gap Year Internship, for recent high school or college graduates
There is flexibility in the Gap Year Experience. See criteria for Intersession Internships above and contact the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for more information.
Requirements
Monday through Friday, 35 hours/week (work hours may vary); must complete a total of 350 hours
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
Application Process for all internships
Email your resume, cover letter, availability, and one letter of reference to the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at pvwdcoutreach@vet.upenn.edu.
Questions? Contact the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at pvwdcoutreach@vet.upenn.edu.
Veterinary Student Fellowship
This summer research Fellowship at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center is funded by the Frank W. Lloyd Fellowship Fund. This is a paid summer internship for a first- or second-year veterinary student who is interested in learning more about Working Dog research, medicine and fitness. The selected intern will be immersed in Penn Vet Working Dog Center research and sports medicine, while gaining hands-on experience with our scent detection canines. There is a focus on Working Dog Research, Sports and Performance Medicine and Working Dog Clinical Care.
Requirements and Information
- First- or second-year veterinary student
- Comprehensive understanding of the Penn Vet Working Dog Center’s foundation program and contributions in Research, Education and Training
- Attention to detail and ability to work well with others are essential
- Dog handling experience is helpful, but not necessary
- Writing experience helpful, but not required
- Internship typically runs from mid-May to mid-August; hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
- While the core elements of this internship are on-site at the PVWDC, there are components that can and will need to be done remotely.
How to Apply
Point of contact is Ruth Desiderio, Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at pvwdcoutreach@vet.upenn.edu.
Email Ruth your cover letter, resume, and one letter of recommendation. If you are not able to send these all together in one email, please advise when/if missing piece will be received and note that it cannot be past the deadline.
Application Deadline: March 7, 2025 at 4:00 pm Eastern
Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview. One stipend is available for this position.
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.