Internship Program
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain experience in a fast-paced shelter environment. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate your understanding and knowledge of care for domestic animals and native wildlife. Behavior Internships are located at the Burlingame location and Wildlife Care Internships are located at the Saratoga location.
Requirements for PHS/SPCA internships, including duration and hours per week, vary by internship program and can be found in the descriptions below. Upon successful completion of an internship, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion and Letter of Recommendation. Internships are unpaid volunteer positions, and applying does not guarantee acceptance in the program.
General Requirements
- Minimum of 18 years of age and a high school graduate
- Passion for animal welfare
- Familiarity with PC use, including Microsoft Office programs
- Ability to comprehend and follow written and/or verbal instructions
- Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach, and push moderately heavy objects
- Ability to handle multiple tasks and work well under pressure
- No allergic conditions which would be aggravated by animals in our care
- Ability to work with chemicals such as bleach and Triple Two
- Ability to commit to a three-month internship with no vacation time
Animal Behavior Internship
Burlingame, CA
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the animal behavior field. As a Behavior Intern at our Burlingame campus, you’ll work directly alongside our Behavior Department staff — walking dogs, assisting with shelter behavior classes, supporting one-on-one public consultations, and learning the fundamentals of cat and dog behavior through training plans and helpline calls. You’ll also participate in our TLC and potty patrol programs and contribute to the day-to-day operations that keep the department running smoothly. Some prior dog experience is required; cat experience is a plus.
2026 Summer Term: Please check back early next year for 2027 dates.
Time frame: 8-10-week semester, 12-14 hours per week across two to three days.
Requirements:
- Must be 18+
- Applicant must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history
- Ability to follow exact instructions and work independently
- Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 30 pounds for short distance
- Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach, and push moderately heavy objects.
- Ability to work with dogs using positive reinforcement methodologies only
- Ability to perform the job in a professional manner and work efficiently
- Highly motivated toward the welfare and humane treatment of animals
- Ability to handle stressful and emotional situations
Wildlife Care Center
Saratoga, California
This is a unique and rewarding opportunity as a volunteer Wildlife Rehabilitation Intern to learn the care and feeding of wildlife and basic husbandry skills. In addition to hands on experience, interns will receive bi-weekly educational topics for review in discussion groups. All interns must be available for Friday Discussion Groups. A final exit examination is required upon completion of the program.
2026 Internship Terms are now full. Please check back early next year for 2027 dates.
Time frame: 12-week semesters, 8 hours per day, 3 days per week (24 hour per week total)
Requirements Specific to Wildlife Care Internship: Wildlife Position Description
- Ability to work with chemicals such as chlorhexidine and synphenol.
- Applicant must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history.
- Ability to follow exact instructions and work independently.
- Must not be squeamish about preparing meals which may include live meal worms and dead mice.
- Ability to lift and move objects and animals weighing up to 50 pounds for short distance.
- Ability to bend, stoop, squat, reach, and push moderately heavy object”