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 Internships
Requirements
Minimum 12 week commitment
Minimum 20 hours per week, typically 3 days per week
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
Application Deadline
Rolling admission
2024 Summer Internships
Traditional Summer Internship
May 29 through August 16, 2024
Application deadline: March 29, 2024
Gap Year Summer/Fall Internship, for recent high school or college graduates
July 22 through October 11, 2024
Application deadline: May 24, 2024
NOTE: 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)
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
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. For additional information, visit our website www.vet.upenn.edu/working-dog-center or call 215-898-2200.
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 the 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 runs from mid-May to mid-August; hours are Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
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.
Deadline is March 19, 2024 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.