PRE-VET INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - QUALIFIES VET TRACK STUDENTS

About Community Animal Network Community Animal Network provides veterinary medical services to rescued animals that need to find new homes. Founded in Newport Beach, California, in 1996 by DiAnna Pfaff‑Martin, the organization is community‑supported through donations and runs outreach programs such as the "Pets For Seniors" program, which provides mature cats to qualifying senior residents and supplies lifelong veterinary care for those animals. Pre‑Vet Internship Program Volunteers are accepted into Community Animal Network’s "Pre‑Vet Internship Program" on the basis of a serious interest in learning about cats and/or advancing into veterinary medicine. The program is also open to adults who have missed their calling to work with animals and wish to explore a career in animal care. Commitment of at least one day a week for six hours and a minimum of a 16‑week term. Summer internships are shorter but must be signed up before June 1 and ready to start. Students can begin immediately after finals or graduation. Interns learn cat care and work with senior and geriatric cats that have treatable diseases managed with medications. Interns administer pills and medications, draw blood to check glucose levels, give injections, brush, shave, trim nails, manage pharmacy inventory, assist with restocking supplies, and perform kennel duties such as scooping, sifting and cleaning litter boxes and, when necessary, extracting marking areas to maintain hygiene standards. Interns may be involved in vaccine set‑ups, prepare subcutaneous IV fluid bags, establish IV lines, and assist with critical‑care management during end‑of‑life stages. Interns may also perform administrative duties, as many veterinary office staff positions require front‑office and animal‑care skills. In addition to hands‑on clinical duties, interns support the organization by writing thank‑you notes to donors and completing weekly homework assignments on diseases, bacteria, protozoa and medication research. The program satisfies "hands‑on" animal care experience for pre‑vet students and serves as a stepping stone that builds a resume and provides opportunities to interview for paid jobs in veterinary hospitals before applying to veterinary school. The director, DiAnna Pfaff‑Martin, assists interns in leaving in good standing with resume writing, mock interviews, and guidance for identifying skills to discuss with potential employers. Volunteer Opportunities Timing Volunteer opportunities are typically offered in the evening or night, and the program works around students’ class schedule changes where possible. #J-18808-Ljbffr Community Animal Network