ASPCA Animal Hospital Veterinary Externship
Our veterinary externship program provides quality exposure to a varied caseload that includes access to veterinary care, surgery, internal medicine, veterinary forensics, and cruelty intervention. You'll observe emergency medicine, surgeries, dentistry, and inpatient care. Our externs leave with medical training, stress-free handling techniques, and an understanding of the various veterinary career paths available in animal welfare. Apply today online or email Jaclyn Larosa for more information!
Program FAQs
Visit this form to begin the process. You can also apply for aid via the Veterinary Externship Reimbursement for NYC.
- Hands-on experience for externs is similar to that of a 4th-year veterinary student which can include shadowing on cases with a senior clinician, performing physical examinations, handling of animals, and assisting in surgery or procedures.
- Unfortunately we cannot provide sole primary case responsibility.
- The amount of hands on experience will vary depending on caseload on that service and whether an intern or resident is also
- If you are a 3rd year veterinary student you will be able to observe, take histories, and assist in handling
The ASPCA Animal Hospital (AAH) is a non-profit animal hospital on the Upper East Side of Manhattan that provides high-quality, specialized, and general medical care to animals belonging to the public, as well as to shelter animals, and those who have been victims of cruelty.
You’ll be given a badge, locker and a print out of your schedule. You’ll also be given a tour of the hospital and introduced to staff on the floor. You’ll be given time to complete the base survey if you didn’t get the chance to last week.
- Stethoscope: this is not required, but feel free to bring one if you have it. Please label your stethoscope in case it becomes misplaced.
- Clothing: Clean shoes/sneakers and scrubs. During the winter, it is best to dress in layers.
- A lunch: Packing food or snacks, as well as water is always advised. There is a fridge, freezer and microwave in the break room which you may use. There are also places close by the hospital where you can buy food.
The areas you will be shadowing are: appointments, treatment, internal medicine, surgery, and dentistry.
You will be scheduled with a different doctor each day. If your assigned doctor has down time during the day, you are encouraged to observe other areas of the hospital.
Please make your specific interests (i.e. surgery, internal medicine, treatment) known so your schedule can be customized as much as possible.
- Sample schedule:
- Day 1 9a-arrive in lobby and tour
- 9:15a-intake survey
- 9:30a-shadow in surgery
- 1p- lunch
- 2p shadow in surgery
- 5p- finish day
- Day 2
- 10a - shadow in treatment
- 1p - lunch
- 2p shadow in treatment
- 6p finish day
- Day 3
- 9a - shadow in appointments
- 1p - lunch
- 2p - shadow in appointments
- 5p - finish day
- Day 1 9a-arrive in lobby and tour
We accommodate externs for 1-2 weeks.
You will have access to appointments, treatment rooms, internal medicine, and surgery.
Yes, please contact Jaclyn Larosa.
Unfortunately, we do not offer housing accommodations or parking. We do offer reimbursement for some program expenses. Learn more.