Veterinary Externships at PETS Clinic
PETS Clinic hosts fourth-year AVMA-accredited veterinary students, ECFVG Certification Students, and PAVE program students for hands-on externships in high-volume spay/neuter and small animal medicine.
“It has been the most hands-on externship I have had all of fourth year. From the day I got to PETS to the day I left, I always felt welcomed.”
A Busy Teaching Clinic with Real Hands-On Work.
The externship introduces students to high-volume spay/neuter, small animal exams and surgery, and the animal welfare work behind a nonprofit clinic. Students work under veterinary supervision and gain practical experience in the flow of a very busy clinic.
PETS Clinic performs about 175 spay/neuter surgeries each week and sees approximately 80 pets each day for wellness, injury, illness, and related care.
Externs May Gain Experience With
High-volume spay and neuter surgery
Small animal exams, diagnostics, and treatment planning
General surgery, dentistry, emergency cases, and orthopedic exposure
Mentorship from veterinarians who enjoy teaching
Built for Teaching and High-Volume Care.
PETS Clinic has a newly renovated clinic, five exam rooms, two fully equipped surgical suites, six surgical tables, a stocked pharmacy, isolation and hospital areas, and separate treatment and prep spaces.
Schedule and Responsibilities
Externs participate in exams, diagnostics, surgery, dentals, and emergency medicine under the supervision of PETS Clinic veterinarians. The regular clinic schedule is Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm. Friday participation depends on the veterinary schedule.
Students should arrive at 7:30am on the first day and no later than 8:15am on later days. Lunch breaks are built in when the day allows. After-hours emergency experience may be available with staff coordination.
Housing and Support
PETS Clinic provides free housing or lodging, a food allowance, and transportation to and from the clinic if needed. Pet-friendly accommodations may be possible when arranged in advance.
A travel stipend may be available for students traveling a significant distance within the United States.
Length and Availability
Externships typically last two weeks, though scheduling can be flexible. PETS Clinic usually hosts one extern at a time, with limited exceptions for candidates traveling together.
If PETS Clinic is not listed with your school, email the externship team so they can review the school connection.
Send the Right Materials for Your Program Path.
Email your materials to the externship team. Include your available date range so they can compare it with current externship openings.
Fourth-Year AVMA-Accredited Students and Enrolled PAVE Students
Send a brief resume, a note about why you are interested in PETS Clinic, and the date range you are available.
ECFVG Certification Students
Send a brief resume, your available date range, and proof that you have completed the BCSE.
PAVE Students Not Currently Enrolled in an AVMA-Accredited University
Send a brief resume, your available date range, proof that you have completed the QSE, and your acceptance letter to an AVMA-accredited university.
ECFVG and PAVE Students Are Welcome.
International veterinarians generally pursue U.S. licensure through ECFVG or PAVE, then complete NAVLE and any state board requirements. Students should confirm current requirements with their program and licensing board.
ECFVG Path
- Graduate from, or be in the final year at, an AVMA ECFVG-listed university.
- Pass the English language assessment.
- Pass the BCSE.
- Pass the CPE.
PAVE Path
- Complete the English proficiency requirement.
- Pass the QSE.
- Complete evaluated clinical experience at an AVMA-accredited university.
Students Leave with Real Experience.
“I absolutely loved my time at PETS. It has been the most hands-on externship I have had all of fourth year. From the day I got to PETS to the day I left I always felt welcomed.”
“Going to PETS as an extern is one of the best decisions I have made. PETS provides a lot of hands-on opportunities, and the doctors were willing to teach and discuss cases with me.”
“All doctors and technicians at PETS are extremely nice and friendly. I gained a lot of invaluable hands-on experience, and I would recommend this externship to every veterinarian and veterinary student.”
Email the Externship Team.
Send your resume, program type, and available date range. PETS Clinic will review availability and next steps.
Email About Externships