Veterinary Extern - General Practice

Job Description

Veterinary Externship - Houston Cat Hospital (Houston, TX)
Feline-Focused Medicine | Mentorship-Driven | Up to $2,000 Travel/Living Stipend


About the Clinic:
If you love cats, you'll love us. Houston Cat Hospital is a feline-exclusive practice dedicated to providing the highest standard of care in a calm, cat-friendly environment. As part of the NVA network, we offer veterinary students the chance to gain hands-on clinical experience in a setting that is uniquely focused on feline medicine and behavior .


Our team is passionate about mentoring future veterinarians and helping students grow their confidence and skills-whether you're interested in general practice, feline specialty care, or simply gaining deeper experience with a species-specific caseload.


Externship Experience:
Veterinary externs will work closely with our experienced DVM team and gain meaningful experience in:

• Performing feline-focused physical exams and patient assessments
• Creating diagnostic and treatment plans tailored to feline patients
• Assisting with and observing soft tissue surgeries and dental procedures
• Participating in case management, imaging, lab work, and hospitalization
• Communicating effectively with clients and team members
• Learning about feline behavior, stress reduction, and handling techniques

You'll be fully immersed in the day-to-day life of a busy cat-exclusive hospital, with direct mentorship and opportunities to sharpen both your clinical and client communication skills.


Program Details:
Location: Houston, TX
Duration: minimum 2 weeks, up to 4 weeks, based on student and clinic availability
Open to: 3rd and 4th year veterinary students in clinical rotations
Stipend: Up to $2,000 for students in clinical year


Why Choose Houston Cat Hospital?

• One-of-a-kind experience in feline-only medicine
• Supportive team with a strong passion for teaching
• Focus on fear-free, low-stress handling techniques
• Ideal for students exploring small animal or feline-exclusive practice
• Located in the heart of Houston, with easy access to the city's amenities

National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of animals and the people who love them.

At NVA, we're on a mission to improve the lives of pets and the people who love them. That starts by empowering our care teams. We nurture their growth with resources to practice medicine their way. Our network of 1,000 hospitals connects them to a community of professionals who share their passion so they can learn and grow together. Our national presence enables us to deliver technology and innovations that simplify work and expand care for all. At NVA, we're committed to your professional growth. We support your entire career journey, offering opportunities ranging from mentorship to ownership.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here's what to expect when interacting with us:
• We'll always reach out via verified LinkedIn profiles or emails ending in @nva.com
• We may also contact you via text message from an identified NVA representative for recruiting-related communication
• All job opportunities and applications are hosted on our official careers site: careers.nva.com
• There is no cost or confidential information required to apply or be considered for a position

If you have any doubts about a communication, feel free to visit our careers page to verify authenticity or email us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Thank you for exploring opportunities at NVA!

NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.