Animal Care Internship

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

111d • Onsite

About The Position

This is an unpaid internship for Summer 2026 focused on advancing the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by supporting Animal Care teams and gaining hands-on knowledge in animal welfare and care practices within a shelter environment. Interns will assist with daily care, enrichment, and well-being of animals across multiple ARL locations, including cleaning, monitoring health and behavior, and reporting concerns to staff. The role involves learning to operate various equipment, maintaining supplies and spaces, and contributing to a clean, safe, and welcoming shelter. The internship includes rotations at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and Second Chance Ranch for a comprehensive understanding of shelter operations, and requires completion of a research-based educational project presented at the end. Emphasis is placed on compassionate handling to reduce stress and disease, adhering to ARL policies and safety protocols.

Requirements

• Genuine interest in animal care.
• Desire to make a difference for animals in need.
• Dependable.
• Self-motivated.
• Eager to learn in a hands-on environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced setting.
• Perform basic mathematical skills.
• Stay positive under pressure.
• Commitment of 90 days.
• Minimum of four hours on-site at least five days a week.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with animals.
• Previous experience in a customer service environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily care, enrichment, and wellbeing of animals at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and the Second Chance Ranch.
• Assist with cleaning and maintaining animal housing areas.
• Help monitor animal health and behavior and immediately report any concerns to staff.
• Learn to operate laundry, cleaning, and dishwashing equipment.
• Help ensure all supplies and spaces are well maintained.
• Contribute to keeping the shelter environment clean, safe, and welcoming.
• Complete rotations with leaders at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and the Second Chance Ranch.
• Complete a research-based educational project designed to deepen understanding of animal welfare and the ARL’s mission.
• Present the educational project at the conclusion of the internship.
• Support efforts to reduce stress and disease through compassionate and purposeful handling of animals.
• Adhere to ARL policies and safety protocols.

Benefits

• Gain valuable hands-on knowledge and experience in animal welfare and care practices.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the ARL’s shelter operations.
• Gain meaningful, real-world experience in animal welfare.
• Build professional skills.
• Contribute to the care and comfort of hundreds of animals each day.
• Deeper understanding of shelter operations, animal behavior, and the role compassion plays in every aspect of our work.
• Supportive, mission-driven team environment.
• Every day offers new opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed