Pre-Veterinary Opportunities
Students are encouraged to work with a variety of animals in preparation for veterinary medical school. The opportunities listed below are examples of the variety of experiences one could have to gain knowledge and insight to the profession of a veterinarian and working with animals.
Anti-Cruelty Society
The adoption center is located at 510 N. LaSalle Drive in Chicago, Illinois. There are a variety of programs to which students can choose to volunteer.
Animal Welfare League
Students can volunteer in areas such as: animal groomer, health care specialist, humane education department, greeters, office assistants, and special events. Volunteer Information
A.R.F. - Animal Rescue Foundation
A.R.F. is an all-volunteer foster-based organization in Wheaton that rescues cats and dogs from high-kill shelters and places them in forever homes. Volunteer needs include animal intake and medical review and treatment, taking care of the cats in the Wheaton or Darien PetSmart adoption centers, attending adoption events, and various administrative and fundraising opportunities. For more information visit A.R.F.'s website and fill out a volunteer application.
C.A.R.E. (Community Animal Rescue Effort)
This organization is comprised of all volunteers that desire to find homes for unwanted and abandoned animals. It also serves as an educational and counseling resource to the community. Chicago Area Animal Shelters; C.A.R.E Volunteer Information
Disney Sciences and Zoology Internships
Interns are responsible for the care and welfare of the animals at many of the theme parks and other park experiences. Internships available in areas such as: Animal Nutrition, Animal Behavior, Aquarium and Marine Biology, Aquatic Vet Hospital, Marine Mammal and Reproductive Biology.
Internships with the Chicago Zoological Society
The College Experiential Learning Opportunities (C.E.L.O.) program provides students internships and research opportunities in a variety of areas and fields. The program provides mentoring and coaching, training, hands-on experience.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Positions are available in many different areas such as Education, Guest Experience, Horticulture, and Events.
Shedd Aquarium
Students can choose from a variety of opportunities such as guest engagement, aquarium collections husbandry, marine mammal husbandry, water-quality laboratory, library sciences, Caribbean reef diver and marine mammal diver (prior experience is required).