Veterinary Externships at The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas
The Animal Foundation in Las Vegas offers immersive veterinary externships for students seeking real-world experience in shelter medicine, high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter, population health, diagnostics, and emergency triage.
As the only high-volume animal shelter in Las Vegas—and one of the largest single-site open-admission shelters in the country—our campus provides a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment where students gain skills they simply can’t get in private practice.
Externships are open to 3rd- and 4th-year veterinary students. Whether you join us for two weeks or several, you’ll have opportunities to practice essential clinical skills, collaborate with an experienced medical team, and work with a uniquely diverse animal population.
Housing assistance may be available intermittently; students in need are encouraged to inquire.
Why Choose a Shelter Medicine Externship in Las Vegas?
At The Animal Foundation, externs don’t observe from the sidelines—you step directly into patient care from day one. With an annual intake of approximately 28,000 animals, our shelter provides exposure to a wide range of species, medical conditions, and hands-on procedures.
Students frequently tell us they gain more practical experience in two weeks with us than in months at traditional small-animal hospitals. You’ll work alongside a multidisciplinary team, participate in high-quality/high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN), support population management decisions, and learn the unique challenges and rewards of shelter medicine.
This externship is ideal for students interested in:
- Shelter medicine
- High-quality, high-volume spay/neuter
- Emergency and triage care
- Infectious disease management
- Population medicine and herd health
- Community-based veterinary care
- Open-admissions shelter operations
About The Animal Foundation
Founded in 1978, The Animal Foundation has grown from a low-cost spay/neuter clinic into one of the largest single-site open-admission animal shelters in the United States. We hold municipal contracts with three jurisdictions and care for more than just dogs and cats—we also receive small mammals, reptiles, fish, birds, and occasional farm animals each year.
Our Veterinary Services Department includes multiple veterinarians, licensed veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, euthanasia technicians, animal care attendants, a groomer, and full client-services support.
Medicine
• Triage and physical exams
• Vaccinations, deworming, microchipping
• Venipuncture, IV catheter placement
• Diagnostics: bloodwork, radiographs, ultrasound
• Wound care, bandaging, medication administration
• Medical record keeping (Chameleon software)
• Client communication
• Animal husbandry
• Euthanasia procedures and protocols
Surgery
• Anesthesia monitoring and pain management
• Induction and intubation
• Surgical prep
• HQHV spay/neuter
• Pediatric spay/neuter
• Soft tissue procedures
Population Management
• Daily shelter rounds
• Pathway planning
• Quarantine and isolation protocols
• Infectious disease management (CIRDC, URI, parvo, panleukopenia, ringworm)
• Assigned projects and case reviews
Shadowing Opportunities
• Admissions
• Adoptions
• Animal Welfare
• Behavior and Enrichment
• Foster & Transfer
Frequently Asked Questions
Only 3rd- and 4th-year veterinary students are eligible to apply at this time.
Housing support may be available intermittently. Students should mention housing needs in their application or email us for the most up-to-date information.
While dogs and cats make up the majority of our population, externs may see small mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and occasional farm animals.
Yes. Students are encouraged to share learning goals before arrival. Schedules are adjusted weekly to ensure meaningful, relevant experience.
Complete the application form embedded below. A member of our Veterinary Services team will follow up with next steps.