Temporary Externship for Veterinary Students

Position Summary

We are pleased to offer the current job opportunity for a Veterinary Externship in our Animal Services Department. DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) offers a hands-on veterinary externship designed for students seeking meaningful experience in shelter medicine, surgery, and community-based animal care. As an open-admission animal shelter, DCAS provides care for a diverse population of animals, giving externs a unique opportunity to develop clinical skills while supporting animals in need.

Program Structure

• Flexible externship duration: 2–4 weeks
• Ongoing, year-round opportunities
• Paid externship position
• Combination of structured mentorship and hands-on experience

Why Choose DCAS?

At DuPage County Animal Services, veterinary medicine goes beyond individual patient care—it’s about improving outcomes for entire populations of animals while serving the community. This externship offers a realistic and inspiring look at a career path that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with and performing high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter surgeries and other surgical procedures
• Conducting physical exams and wellness evaluations
• Administering vaccinations and preventive care
• Diagnosing and treating common shelter-related illnesses
• Supporting population health and disease prevention protocols
• Learning best practices in shelter medicine and resource-driven care
• Collaborating with animal care, behavior, and adoption teams to promote positive outcomes
• Assisting with behavior evaluations of dogs and cats

Requirements

• Current enrollment in an accredited veterinary program as a 4th year veterinary student
• Interest in surgery, primary care, and/or shelter medicine
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Commitment to compassionate, humane animal care

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Question

• What year of veterinary school are you currently in?
• Are you able to perform the following, with or without an accommodation?
• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Use of arm and /or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than for medium work.