Internship and externship FAQs

Things to note:

• All Best Friends Animal Sanctuary interns and externs must be 18 years or older.
• The minimum time commitment is five weeks and possibly more, depending on the type of assignment.
• Dates of animal care internships are set in advance, while dates of administrative internships are flexible.

What's the difference between a Best Friends internship and externship?

Best Friends offers internships in animal care and administrative roles. Animal care internships typically require a time commitment of at least five weeks, but they can be as long as 15 weeks. Administrative internships vary in length and may be long-term (depending on availability and need). Internships are open to anyone 18 years or older with an interest in animal welfare.

Externships are offered at the Sanctuary clinic and are open to veterinary students and vet tech students. Veterinary externships are typically two weeks in length and are open to students in their fourth year of study. Vet tech externships are typically four weeks in length and have a minimum age requirement of 18. 

Is there a cost to participate in an internship or externship?

There is no cost to apply or participate in the program. All costs incurred during an internship or externship will be your responsibility. Scholarships are available, and you may apply for a scholarship once you are accepted into the program.

Is school credit available for an internship or externship?

Yes. School credit can be arranged for Sanctuary internships and externships. It is your responsibility to inform our intern programs specialist of any school requirements that we will be expected to fulfill prior to the start of the internship or externship.

What if I am unable to complete my internship or externship?

You are under no obligation to complete it. However, if you leave before your scheduled end date, we will not be able to certify that you completed the program or met your requirements for school credit. Please note: Best Friends reserves the right to ask an intern or extern to leave if we feel the participant is not fulfilling the requirements specified in the position description.

How long is a Best Friends Animal Sanctuary internship or externship?

The minimum time commitment required for a Best Friends internship is five weeks. You may apply to be an intern for up to 15 weeks. Veterinary student externships are two weeks long and veterinary technician student externships are four weeks long.

How many days and hours per week do interns and externs work?

Animal care interns work five days (40 hours) per week with two days off, but may be asked to spend additional time outside of the internship working on educational projects. Non-animal-care interns work varying schedules, which are decided upon by their direct supervisor. Clinical externs typically work 40 hours per week but may be on-call for emergencies.

When should I submit my application?

Internships and externships are offered year-round and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. If you are applying for an animal care or administrative internship, we recommend that you submit your application three to six months in advance of the session you are applying for. Clinical externships often fill up well in advance. To secure your dates we recommend applying 18 to 24 months in advance of your desired rotation.

Do I need my own transportation?

Yes. Having your own reliable vehicle is required. Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is located off U.S. Highway 89, about five miles north of Kanab, and our buildings are spread out over 3,700 acres within an upper and lower canyon. Walking or bicycling from place to place is only feasible within the town of Kanab. Learn more about living in Kanab.

Can I bring my pets with me?

Yes. However, many of the housing options available do not allow pets. If you can find housing that allows pets, please be aware that your animals will be alone for extended periods of time because of intern and extern schedules. If you are interning in animal care or externing at the clinic, you will likely be at the Sanctuary from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day with an hour break for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. We're sorry, but you cannot bring your personal pets to work.

Can my friends and family visit during my internship or externship?

Yes, friends and family are welcome to visit. You will have two days off each week to see the sights and spend time with visitors. Tours and volunteering opportunities may be available to your friends and family.

What is the weather like in southern Utah?

Kanab sits at a high-desert elevation of approximately 5,000 feet, and the weather varies from season to season. Learn more about Kanab weather.