Intern orientation includes a tour of the Sanctuary and Dogtown, overview of rules, safety protocols, and daily schedule. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Best Friends founders and Senior Leadership, learn about and shadow staff in other departments, work on projects specific to their learning and career goals, and attend presentations on various animal welfare topics. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Work within a team setting to oversee the health, well-being, and general care of the resident dogs in Dogtown. 

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

• Assist in supporting the animals’ medical needs which includes learning about canine illnesses and injuries, observing and/or participating in physical therapy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and other appointments,medicating/treating (when appropriate), and tracking and reporting changes.

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

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

• Follow all safety and quarantine protocols outlined by department leadership to ensure safety for all (yourself, staff, visitors, volunteers, and dogs).

- 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, potential adopters, workshop attendees, and other types of visitors. 

• Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, dog welfare issues, the work of Dogtown and the Sanctuary, and answer questions.

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

• Complete multiple individual projects, which will be adjusted to the intern’s interests and goals whenever possible.

• Work with 2-3 “project dogs” who are working to overcome a specific medical and/or behavioral challenge and work with the Intern Supervisor and Behavior Team to develop goals and a plan for achieving them with the project dog. 

• Complete one project focused on improving Dogtown operations or volunteer/visitor experience.

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

- Treat people around you with Kindness and Compassion, build trust by demonstrating authenticity and following through on your commitments, prioritize your well-being, and work to build strong inclusive relationships with your colleagues by participating in communication loops to share and receive honest feedback.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Develop an understanding of how all departments within Best Friends work together to save lives while gaining specific experience and knowledge regarding day-to-day dog care in a sanctuary setting.

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of dogs and their housing, dietary, and enrichment needs.

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

• Develop an understanding of behaviors, body language, and signs of stress in dogs, and appropriate handling methods for dogs of varying temperaments. 

• 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 dogs. Previous experience preferred but not required.

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

• Must have an understanding that all dogs are individuals with unique care and handling requirements and be willing to learn and adopt positive, relationship-based training principles and methods.

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

• Professional work ethic and independent time management skills.

• Commitment to communication, cooperation, and collaboration.

• Resourcefulness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. 

- 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:

• Potential contact with hay, dust and other allergens.

• Potential exposure to zoonotic disease. 

• Interaction with animals that have significant behavioral and/or medical issues and specific handling and care requirements.

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

​

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.