MSPCA-Angell Headquarters

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7400
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Angell Animal Medical Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282
angellquestions@angell.org
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Angell West

293 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 902-8400
For on-site assistance (check-ins and pick-ups):
(339) 970-0790
angellquestions@angell.org
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Angell at Essex

565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 304-4648
essex@angell.org
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-5055
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Cape Cod

1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632
(508) 775-0940
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Nevins Farm

400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844
(978) 687-7453
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Northeast Animal Shelter

347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9888
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MSPCA Cape Cod Summer Animal Welfare Specialist Internship

Description:

The Animal Welfare Specialist 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. There will be opportunities to go off site to attend community outreach events, such as pop-up pet food pantries or vaccine clinics.

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.

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!

Applications for this role are due by April 30th, 2024.

This role will not involve direct dog interaction or handling. It will involve dog kennel cleaning, cat care and small animal care, including rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, rats, and other exotic animals. 

 

Responsibilities:

  • Complete a variety of tasks as directed by staff. Tasks may include but are not limited to cleaning, disinfecting, customer service, 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, 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 at all times
  • Participate in training as required by role
  • Have the ability to keep information confidential

Required Skills and Attributes:

  • 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.
  • Ability to work both independently and with the public, staff, and fellow volunteers
  • Ability to be judgment-free in challenging situations, including animal surrenders
  • Able to multitask and prioritize in a fast paced, high stress environment
  • Computer proficiency and ability to learn new programs
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus!
  • Reliable transportation is required. Preference will be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s license and their own personal vehicle.
  • Attendance at a virtual orientation prior to the start date.

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

Emotional and Mental Requirements:

  • Able to multitask 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
  • 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.

Experience and Education Requirements:

  • Completion of sophomore year of high school or higher by June 2024
  • Applicants must turn 16 by June 15th, 2024. 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. Details can be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/youth-employment-permit-information
  • Some animal experience is necessary. Experience with multiple species with various dispositions and behavior needs helpful but not required.

Time Commitment:

  • Weekly attendance of a minimum 8 hours
    • Can be broken up into two half days (4 hours each) or one full day (8 hours) with a one hour lunch break
    • Our hours of operation are from 8AM to 5PM
  • Maximum of 2 days per week
  • 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 2024 availability as a guideline when listing days you are available.

Apply now!