Description:
This is an unpaid volunteer role within our volunteer program. It is designed for reliable, self-driven, mature college students and high school upperclassmen considering careers with animals. It’s also appropriate for those on a gap year after high school, or before graduate school. If you are seeking an unfiltered look at the rewards and challenges of a career in animal welfare, we’d love to consider your application!
The Animal Welfare Specialist (AWS) Volunteer Intern will support staff in caring for our animals and connecting people with the resources they need. As such, they should share the MSPCA’s desire to affect change in our community. AWS Interns should have a deep sense of compassion and a strong desire to help both animals and people.
The AWS Intern will demonstrate and embrace the organizational values of compassion, integrity, collaboration, excellence, service, and positivity in carrying out day to day tasks as well as interactions with others.
**Applications for this role close May 1st, 2026.**
Responsibilities:
- Complete a variety of tasks as directed by staff. Tasks may include but are not limited to cleaning, disinfecting, office work, phone calls, cage set up, laundry, dishes, donation sorting, and animal care.
- Ensure all animals are provided with the best possible care.
- Clean and disinfect kennels, cages, stalls, pens, etc. which are regularly soiled with feces and urine. Vomit and blood may be encountered.
- Provide proper food, water, bedding, and enrichment to shelter animals
- Provide quality and meaningful customer service to the general public.
- Participate in training as required by role.
- Have the ability to keep information confidential.
Physical Requirements:
- Able to sustain moderate to heavy activity with variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, and stooping.
- Able to lift, push, pull, or carry objects and/or animals weighing up to 50lbs.
- Able to safely perform these duties in variant temperatures and elements including extreme heat, extreme cold, and inclement weather.
- Must be able to manage any animal or hay-related allergies with medication.
- For the safety of volunteers, staff, and our animals, as well as guests on our property, we are unable to accommodate request for alterations to these requirements. This includes but is not limited to requests for frequent breaks, or altering the ability to lift/push/pull/carry 50lbs.
Emotional and Mental Requirements:
- Able to multitask, prioritize, and complete tasks in a fast paced, high stress environment.
- Able to maintain composure during challenging and/or emotionally charged situations.
- Able to work with staff, fellow volunteers, and clients in an empathetic and supportive manner.
- Adaptable to an ever-changing environment. This role is not a suitable match for individuals who do best with routine tasks.
- Receptive to direction and feedback.
- The ability to remain open-minded and understanding of decisions for euthanasia that consider the animal’s physical and emotional well-being and the safety of the community.
Required Skills and Attributes:
- Ability to work well with and communicate effectively with the public, staff, and fellow volunteers.
- Ability to be judgment-free in challenging situations, including animal surrenders.
- Able to work independently.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Phone communication skills.
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus!
- Proficiency in using a computer without assistance, and learning new programs. All volunteers digitally log hours and use an online scheduling function. AWS volunteer interns will use computers for additional purposes.
Experience and Education Requirements:
- Completion of junior year of high school or higher by June 2026.
- Some animal experience required. Experience with multiple species with various dispositions and behavior needs is especially helpful.
- Significant equine or other farm experience a plus! Interns with adequate farm experience may assist in the barn areas.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants for this role must have a valid driver’s license and their own personal vehicle.
- Within one week of submitting an application, a cover letter and the contact information of two references must be submitted to nevinsvolunteer@mspca.org. References cannot be family members. Your cover letter should support you being a candidate who meets our needs and who will add value to our organization, while learning new skills.
- If accepted, attendance at a virtual orientation will be required prior to the start date.
- A property tour prior to the start date will be required. Dates will be offered to accepted summer interns in May.
- This role requires a high level of maturity, responsibility, and independence. All steps of the application process must be completed by the prospective volunteer rather than a parent or other 3rd party.
Time Commitment:
- One full day (7am-4pm) per week, on the same day each week. This includes an hour lunch break 11am-noon. No half days are available.
- Duration must be a minimum of 8 weeks during the period of May-August, starting no later than June 22nd. Weeks should be consecutive, with one gap allowed if you have a summer vacation planned. You may not miss more than one week in total once you have begun your internship. Please evaluate your other summer plans to ensure you can meet this commitment.
- As this is a summer role, when filling out the application please use your summer 2026 availability as a guideline when listing days you are available.
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