Location: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Kanab, Utah – Bunny House 

Compensation: $16.00 per hour 

Time Commitment: 40 hours per week for 13 weeks (5/17/26-8/15/26) 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION: The Best Friend's Mission is to do nothing short of making history by bringing about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. Our goal is that every animal shelter in every community in the country be no kill. We’re leading this movement by running lifesaving community programs, providing support and training for animal shelters and rescue groups, and mobilizing community members on behalf of pets in need across the country.  

The communities we partner with are diverse and multicultural – and we want that to be reflected within our organization. We welcome our employees’ unique wisdom, special skills, passion, and whole self to the workplace. We believe that our differences are pivotal to uniting the movement and achieving our mission. Our hiring practices are based on kindness and treating all living things, people, animals and the planet, as we would like to be treated. We encourage candidates who can add to our culture by bringing their fresh perspectives and unique lived experiences to apply. 

CULTURE STATEMENT AND RESPONSIBILITY: 

We believe in treating everyone with kindness and compassion, building trust through authenticity, and following through on commitments. We prioritize well-being alongside our mission, fostering strong relationships through open communication and transparent feedback. Diversity and inclusion are integral to our culture, enriching team dynamics by valuing diverse perspectives. Each team member is responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all voices are respected and contributing to a workplace that embodies our shared values and commitment to progress. By consistently aligning our actions with our Guiding Principles, we strengthen our culture and ensure that our values are lived every day. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  

The Bunny House Intern works within a team setting to provide hands on daily care and medical support to the rabbits and guinea pigs at the Sanctuary. Interns are valued team members and play a direct role in achieving Best Friends Animal Society’s no-kill mission and organizational success. This position works directly with the public to create positive volunteer and visitor experiences and share Best Friends’ mission. Interns may receive assignments and projects based on their interest and learning goals, and organizational needs.   

The Bunny House Intern reports to Amy Brown, Bunny House Supervisor, and will receive regular supervision and feedback. The minimum time commitment for the Bunny House Internship is 40 hours per week at $16.00 per hour for 13 weeks. This is an on-site internship at the Best Friends Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Interns must arrange for their own housing and transportation.  

Intern orientation includes a tour of the Sanctuary and Bunny House, an overview of rules, safety protocols, and daily schedule. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Best Friends founders and leaders, learn about and shadow staff in other departments, and attend presentations on various animal welfare topics.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Work within a team setting to oversee the health, well-being, and general care of domestic rabbits and guinea pigs. 

• Assist in providing basic and routine care for animals which includes feeding, watering, light grooming, and transportation to medical appointments.    

• Assist in supporting the animals’ medical needs which include learning about rabbit illnesses and injuries, medicating, treating, observing and reporting, syringe-feeding, and the maintenance of required veterinary records.   

• Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of rabbit buildings and grounds: scooping, sweeping, mopping, trash removal, laundry, etc. 

• Assist in creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for the animals, including helping with rabbit introductions, socialization, and enrichment opportunities. 

• Follow all safety and quarantine protocols outlined by department leadership. 

Be a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill mission.  

• Work alongside and support volunteers, workshop attendees, and other types of visitors.  

• Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, rabbit welfare issues, the work of Bunny House and the Sanctuary, and answer questions. 

• Interns may be asked to represent Bunny House at various community events.  

• Attend and participate in various learning, networking, and socialization opportunities with other interns and Best Friends staff members.  

LEARNING OUTCOMES:   

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of domestic rabbits and guinea pigs and their housing, dietary, and enrichment needs. 

• Learn and practice basic rabbit and guinea pig medical care including how to administer medication and notice and treat subtle illnesses. 

• Develop an understanding of basic behaviors, body language, and signs of stress in domestic rabbits and guinea pigs. 

• Practice and improve collaboration, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.  

• Gain skills in communicating with visitors and giving engaging and interactive tours, creating positive volunteer experiences. 

• Develop an understanding of animal welfare and Best Friends 2025 mission. 

• Individual goals and projects can be adjusted to the intern’s interest (i.e., medical, behavioral/enrichment, or education).  

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Strong desire to work with rabbits and guinea pigs.  

• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback, and a commitment to learning and improvement.  

• Professional work ethics and independent time management skills. 

• Commitment to communication, cooperation, and collaboration. 

• Resourcefulness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to: 

• Routinely lift up to 60 pounds and perform daily strenuous and/or repetitive activities including sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping, lifting, reaching, walking, and working at computers (typing, hand motions).   

• Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold. 

Must be comfortable with: 

• Significant/constant exposure to hay, dust, and other allergens. 

• Potential exposure to zoonotic disease.  

• Interaction with animals that have significant behavioral and/or medical issues. 

• Potential exposure to animal injury, illness, and/or death. 

Must have reliable transportation to get to, from, and around the Sanctuary. There is no public transportation in Kanab. 

Best Friends employees may only hold one compensated position at any time.  Current employees are not allowed to hold another position and this internship position at the same time.  If a current employee would like to apply for this internship, the employee would be required to resign from their primary position, with no guarantee of re-employment, if the employee wanted to accept this position. 

Thank you for your interest in pursuing a career at Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, or domestic partner status.

Applicants for employment in the U.S. must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. by Best Friends Animal Society.