Description:
The Animal Welfare Specialist (AWS) Intern will support staff in caring for our animals and connecting people with the resources they need. Animal care responsibilities will primarily include cat care and small animal care, including care for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, rats, and other exotic animals. The role will also include dog care such as preparing food and enrichment and cleaning dog spaces. Please note that this role will not involve direct dog interaction or handling.
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. They should share the MSPCA’s desire to affect change in our community, hold a deep sense of compassion, and have a strong desire to help both animals and people.
This is an unpaid volunteer role within our volunteer program. It is designed for high school and college students who are considering careers with animals. 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!
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
Please note that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and may close prior to April 30 should the available internships be filled.
Role of the Intern:
- Provide care to cats, small animals, and dogs by preparing food and enrichment, and ensuring a clean and safe environment for all animals.
- Clean and disinfect kennels and cages, which are regularly soiled with feces and urine. Vomit and blood may be encountered.
- Engage with members of the public and provide quality and meaningful customer service at all times. This is a people focused role!
- Be highly motivated to learn many new skills and become proactive in finding tasks to complete to keep the shelter running efficiently.
- Receive training and feedback from both staff and volunteers
- Keep information confidential
Intern Necessities:
- Ability to stay active for the duration of the shift, with variable amounts of standing, walking, bending, reaching, stooping, and kneeling, and able to perform outdoor tasks in all weather conditions. Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects and/or animals weighing up to 50lbs.
- Ability to work both independently and with the public, staff, and fellow volunteers with excellent verbal communication
- Ability to be judgment-free in challenging situations, including animal surrenders
- Computer proficiency and ability to learn new programs
Please note: Allergies to hay or animal dander should be managed to be able to interact with cats and small animal species.
Experience and Education Requirements:
- Completion of sophomore year of high school or higher by June 2026
- Applicants must turn 16 by June 15, 2026.
- The internship cannot begin until the volunteer’s 16th birthday has occurred, as our minimum volunteer age is 16.
- Volunteers age 16 and 17 must be able to obtain a MA Youth employment permit for this volunteer role, prior to their volunteer start date.
- Some animal experience is necessary. Experience with multiple species with various dispositions and behavior needs helpful but not required.
Commitment:
- Complete a volunteer orientation and Fear Free Certification at home, and receive on-the-job training
- Weekly attendance of one full day (8 hours) with a one-hour lunch break
- Our hours of operation are from 8AM to 5PM
- The internship is a minimum of 8 weeks during the period of June-August
- 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.
Apply Now!
