The PAWS Wildlife Center is currently accepting applications for 3 to 4 week rotations in wildlife rehabilitation medicine. Externships are available from April 1 through August 31, and applications are accepted anytime. The center is located in Lynnwood, Washington, approximately 20 miles north of Seattle. We receive about 3,000 animals annually, representing more than 160 different species of native wildlife, including large carnivores, raptors, marine animals and urban wildlife. The hospital facilities include a well-equipped surgery and radiology, a small laboratory and library.

The veterinary student extern will work closely with the staff veterinarian, veterinary technician and the animal care staff. This program encompasses all aspects of wildlife rehabilitation from intake to release including: handling and restraint, nutrition, gavage feeding and diet preparation, husbandry, critical care, surgery, anesthesia, lab work, diagnostics, and release criteria. The extern will receive much hands-on experience in physical examinations, radiographic technique and interpretation, surgical and anesthesia assisting, diagnosis and treatment of many different species. Externs will be able to perform minor veterinary procedures under the supervision of the staff veterinarians and to assist with routine animal care.

1. Veterinary student enrolled in the final clinical year of the professional curriculum of veterinary school.
2. Ability to lift 40 lbs.
3. Ability to follow hospital protocol and maintain accurate records.
4. Ability to work well with staff, volunteers and public.
5. Prior experience or strong interest in working with wildlife.

1. A 3 to 4-week commitment is required. A five-day work week is expected, with some evenings included.
2. Students must provide their own transportation.
3. Students must arrange for their own housing.

Fill out the online application form or download the application form and mail it in with:

• Your curriculum vitae or resume
• Veterinary school transcripts (copies are acceptable)
• A letter of intent describing your career goals and reasons for wanting to participate in the externship program at PAWS
• The names and phone numbers or email addresses of three references
• Three letters of reference

Submit application materials to:
Dr. John Huckabee, PAWS Wildlife Center, PO Box 1037, Lynnwood, WA 98046 For more information call Dr. John Huckabee at 425.787.2500 x814.

Go directly to the Wildlife Externship Application page.
Download Externship Application.