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ASPCA

Investigates cruelty, rescues animals, educates.

Veterinary Student Ambassador Intern

Fall 2026Updated on 10/15/2026Deadline 10/21/26
$20/hr
Internship
Indiana, USA
Remote
Social & Community ServicesCommunity Outreach & Programs

About the job

Requirements
  • Candidates must be currently enrolled as a veterinary medical student at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine; candidates outside this program will not be considered.
  • Candidates must be in good academic standing and maintain academic excellence while focusing on their education.
  • Candidates must have a strong belief in the ASPCA's mission and core values.
  • Candidates must have strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to build relationships with peers.
  • Candidates must be an active member of at least one student group related to the ASPCA's core work, such as shelter medicine, animal welfare, a diversity, equity, and inclusion-focused group, or forensics.
  • Candidates must not currently serve as a student ambassador for another veterinary or animal welfare organization, nonprofit, or company.
  • Candidates must be able to dedicate an average of three hours per week during the semester to the ambassador responsibilities.
  • Candidates must be able to work independently and know when to seek input and guidance from the team.
  • Candidates must demonstrate maturity and professionalism.
  • Candidates must have access to a computer for virtual meetings and email correspondence.
  • Candidates must be able to temporarily store informational and promotional items for distribution to veterinary college peers.
  • Candidates must abide by their school's rules and policies.
  • A high school diploma is required.
  • English is required.
Responsibilities
  • Represent the ASPCA at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Stay informed about ASPCA student externship opportunities and resources.
  • Build and nurture relationships with fellow veterinary medicine students and student groups on campus.
  • Provide information to students about the ASPCA, its work, veterinary training externships, resources, and future career pathways.
  • Serve as a contact and liaison to inform the ASPCA Campus Relations Senior Manager about upcoming campus events and potential collaboration opportunities.
  • Assist with planning and executing campus events, including conferences and career fairs, and events with student groups, including workshops, presentations, and lunch-and-learns.
  • Present opportunities to student groups and promote upcoming events to encourage engagement and attendance.
  • Develop written communications for students about the ASPCA and upcoming events.
Desired Qualifications
  • Preference is given to candidates in their first through third years of veterinary education.

About the company

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ASPCA

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Website

ASPCA is a non-profit organization that works to prevent cruelty to animals. It operates through programs and activities aimed at helping pets and their caregivers, improving outcomes for animals at risk, and assisting victims of abuse. The group holds the unique ability to investigate crimes against animals and to make arrests, using nonviolent methods to fulfill its mission. It focuses on education, rescue and care, shelter support, advocacy, and public policy to reduce animal cruelty. Founded in 1866 and based in New York City, its goal is to stop animal cruelty and improve animal welfare across communities.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

Grant

Total Funding

$200K

Headquarters

New York City, New York

Founded

1866

Get referred to ASPCA

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • ASPCA opened Carson clinic July 29, 2026, serving tens of thousands yearly.
  • July 15, 2026 Rescue Effect offers $2 million grants across 450 shelters.
  • August 19, 2026 Screwworm outbreak response reinforces ASPCA's disaster-response relevance.

What critics are saying

  • Former CFO Gordon Lavalette sued ASPCA in May 2025 over retaliation and donor spending.
  • Watchdog criticism over 2024 finances and $1.1 million CEO pay threatens donor trust.
  • If governance headlines persist into 2027, major donors and corporate partners will defect.

What makes ASPCA unique

  • ASPCA combines clinics, disaster response, and legal advocacy under one national brand.
  • Its 2026 Carson clinic extends affordable care to underserved Los Angeles pet owners.
  • ShopKind and Rescue Effect turn consumer behavior into shelter adoptions and welfare reform.

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Benefits

  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Continuing Education Stipend
  • Paid Holidays
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k) Company Match
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability Insurance

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

11%

1 year growth

11%

2 year growth

11%
Williamson Source
Oct 7th, 2026
Darrell Waltrip Subaru, ASPCA team up for Williamson County pet adoptions.

Darrell Waltrip Subaru, ASPCA team up for Williamson County pet adoptions. October 7, 2026 Williamson County Animal Center is teaming up with Darrell Waltrip Subaru, the ASPCA and Friends of WCAC throughout October to promote pet adoptions and veterinary care. As part of the annual partnership, approved adopters will have the chance to have their adoption sponsored through a fish bowl-style drawing during the month. For those who do not win, regular adoption fees are $50 for kittens, adult cats and adult dogs, and $85 for puppies. Darrell Waltrip Subaru will also cover the cost of the first 50 rabies vaccinations and 15 microchips at WCAC's monthly clinic on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. The vaccinations are normally valued at $10, while microchips are valued at $15. Pre-registration is required for the clinic and is available through the Williamson County Animal Center website. "Supporting ASPCA and Friends of WCAC means so much to me and my team because every animal deserves safety, care, and love," Darrell Waltrip Subaru General Manager Jimmy Harris said. "I'm grateful for the incredible work these organizations do that gives animals a second chance and brings hope to our communities." WCAC Director Ondrea Johnson said the partnership allows the animal center to expand beyond its typical shelter services. "Life is better for the animals and people living in Williamson County because of Darrell Waltrip Subaru and ASPCA," Johnson said. "We are able to engage community members and care for animals in ways that are only possible because of their generosity." Williamson County Animal Center is located at 1006 Grigsby Hayes Court in Franklin. The center is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is closed Sundays, and hours may vary due to holidays.

ASPCA
Sep 8th, 2026
Meet the inspiring 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards recipients.

Meet the inspiring 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards recipients. September 8, 2026 Every year at the ASPCA Humane Awards, ASPCA honor both people and animal heroes from across the country who have gone above and beyond to bring attention to animal welfare and better the lives of those around them. This year's honorees include miniature therapy horses Aiden and Pearl, Kid of the Year Eloise "Lulu" Peck, farm animal welfare advocate Craig Watts, New York City Police Department Mounted Unit's Detective Kyle McLaughlin, Dog of the Year Canyon, and Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD). Their efforts range from being deployed to the harshest conditions to assist search-and-rescue and recovery efforts to bring closure to families; exposing harmful animal welfare concerns within the poultry industry; keeping its communities safe; spreading compassion and kindness; and touching the lives of individuals struggling with grief, crisis and terminal illness. The 2026 ASPCA Humane Awards will recognize these powerful contributions at the annual luncheon at The Plaza Hotel in New York City on Thursday, October 8, 2026. "Animals show us extraordinary courage, resilience and an incredible capacity to trust and connect," said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. "The ASPCA Humane Awards celebrate remarkable animals whose stories inspire us and remind us why protecting and caring for animals matters so deeply." The ASPCA winners were selected in six categories, including ASPCA Equine Welfare Award, ASPCA Kid of the Year, ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare Award, ASPCA Public Service Award, ASPCA Dog of the Year and the ASPCA Henry Bergh Award, named after the ASPCA's founder, which is given to an individual or institution exhibiting exceptional leadership, compassion and commitment to animal welfare. ASPCA Equine Welfare Award - Aiden and Pearl. For more than a decade, Aiden, a 16-year-old gelding, and Pearl, an 18-year-old mare, have brought comfort, connection and joy to thousands across New York as HorseAbility's beloved miniature therapy horses. HorseAbility is a nonprofit that improves the lives of individuals with special needs through equine-assisted services. This calm, adaptable pair travels together to hospitals, nursing homes, schools and rehabilitation centers providing therapeutic interactions for individuals facing physical, emotional and cognitive challenges. Confidently navigating elevators, wheelchairs and medical equipment, Aiden and Pearl demonstrate the profound impact horses have on human healing, companionship and emotional well-being. ASPCA Kid of the Year - Eloise Peck. Eloise "Lulu" Peck, named after the beloved character from Eloise at the Plaza, touched everyone around her with an extraordinary love for animals, compassion and an open heart. She delighted in befriending every creature she met - a spirit best captured by her pre-camp lemonade stand sign: "Lemonade is $5. Dogs Drink Free." At just 8 years old, Eloise was one of the young lives lost in the devastating floods near Camp Mystic in Texas in July 2025. To honor her legacy, her family established the Living for Lulu Foundation to continue her mission of inspiring kindness and caring for animals in need. ASPCA Farm Animal Welfare Award - Craig Watts. Craig Watts is a leading advocate for farm animal welfare and contract poultry farmers. A former contract chicken grower for Perdue, he partnered with Compassion in World Farming USA in 2014 to expose industry practices and animal welfare concerns, earning national coverage in The New York Times and more. Today, Craig serves as Contract Grower Transition Program Director for the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project (SRAP), helping farmers transition away from industrial animal agriculture and toward sustainable, humane alternatives. He lives with his wife and three children, alongside two dogs (Bean and Sue), five goats (Bandit, Jimmy, Reva, Gabby and George), and several chickens and ducks. ASPCA Public Service Award - Detective Kyle McLaughlin. Det. Kyle McLaughlin, a 13-year NYPD veteran with the Mounted Unit, patrols New York City's five boroughs alongside his equine partner, Kelly, a rescued Standardbred. Paired in 2020, the duo provides a visible, approachable presence at public events, parades and daily patrols, showcasing the powerful impact of giving rescued animals a second chance to thrive. In April 2026, their remarkable bond drew national attention when they pursued a fleeing suspected purse thief on horseback through Manhattan's Upper West Side, leading to a swift apprehension caught on bodycam. Det. McLaughlin's dedication to public safety, compassion for animals and extraordinary partnership with Kelly exemplifies the profound bond between humans and animals. Off duty, he lives with his wife, four children, a golden retriever named Ryker, and three adopted cats: Tito, Taco and Shay. ASPCA Dog of the Year - Canyon. Rescued as a Mississippi stray and brought to the Hancock County Animal Shelter in 2021, Canyon was placed with Category 5 K9 after a handler spotted his exceptional intelligence and drive. Following months of medical care, he earned dual certifications in 2023 through FEMA for Human Remains Detection and the International Police Work Dog Association for wilderness operations. As a premier search-and-rescue canine, Canyon has deployed to major disasters like the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene and the 2025 Texas floods - where he spent over 90 days searching along the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic. Alongside his handler, he has also assisted in numerous missing persons and homicide investigations, helping bring answers and closure to families during their most difficult moments. From shelter dog to highly skilled working canine, Canyon exemplifies the resilience, dedication and lifesaving impact that dogs can have when given a second chance. ASPCA Henry Bergh Award - Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD). Founded in Summit County, Colorado in the early 1990s, Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment (C-RAD) is a pioneering nonprofit uniting canine teams, ski patrols, search-and-rescue organizations, law enforcement and aviation partners to improve survival outcomes for people caught in avalanches. What began as a small coalition of handlers and agencies has grown into a nationally respected organization that trains and supports avalanche dog teams throughout the western United States and Canada. Through rigorous cross-agency training and specialized dog handler teams, C-RAD sets the standard for alpine search-and-rescue, performing lifesaving deployments in extreme winter conditions. The organization's success is a testament to the remarkable bond between humans and animals, demonstrating how highly trained dogs and their handlers can work together to accomplish lifesaving feats in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.

PR Newswire
Aug 27th, 2026
Gavin Rossdale joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to promote pet adoption nationwide.

Gavin Rossdale joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign to promote pet adoption nationwide. Aug 27, 2026, 13:25 ET Bush frontman, actor, and lifelong dog owner who adopted his dog Kaya from a shelter helps spotlight the millions of animals across the country waiting for loving homes NEW YORK, Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Today, the ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) announced the addition of Bush frontman and actor Gavin Rossdale as an ambassador for The Rescue Effect, the ASPCA's national campaign helping more animals find homes. The Rescue Effect showcases the lifesaving impact pet adoption and fostering can have on shelters by freeing up space and resources to help more animals in need. Gavin and his rescue dog Kaya debuted their participation with an editorial-style portrait series and accompanying video featured across the ASPCA's website and social media throughout the three-month campaign to inspire more people to adopt and foster. Many shelters across the country are at capacity with nearly six million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues in 2025, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in care before being adopted. Choosing adoption, like Gavin, helps the animal you take home while also freeing up space and resources so that shelters can help other animals in need. Animal shelters have pets of all sizes, ages, and an array of wonderful personalities, and if you can't adopt, temporarily fostering also provides lifesaving support. Best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the rock band Bush, Gavin has also built an acting career with roles in films including "Constantine," "Zoolander," "Little Black Book" and "How To Rob a Bank," and television series such as "Criminal Minds" and "Burn Notice." A lifelong dog owner who also currently cares for two pet snakes, Gavin most recently adopted Kaya in 2025, a 2-year-old, Belgian Malinois-husky mix from Los Angeles Animal Services, a participant in the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign. Kaya often accompanies Gavin on tour and reflects his commitment to supporting shelter animals and pet adoption. "I've been lucky to have some incredible dogs over the years, including Kaya, and every one of them has made my life better," said Gavin Rossdale. "That's what I love about The Rescue Effect - the idea that one choice to help an animal can have an impact that reaches so much further. There are so many animals out there waiting for someone to give them a chance, and I hope the ASPCA's campaign inspires more people to adopt one and save many more." Gavin credits his first dog, Winston, a Hungarian sheep dog who was by his side for more than 16 years with helping him develop the discipline and focus that shaped his early music career in London. He later shared a close bond with his adopted Pomeranian, Chewy McGregor, who remained a constant companion until his passing in 2024. "Gavin Rossdale is helping shine a spotlight on the transformative power of pet adoption through The Rescue Effect," said Christa Chadwick, senior vice president of shelter services for the ASPCA. "Gavin's lifelong connection with dogs makes him a powerful advocate for pet adoption, raising awareness for the millions of animals who are ready to meet their match. When one dog is adopted, it not only changes that pet's life, but also creates space and resources to help another animal in need." Launched this month and continuing through Adopt a Shelter Dog Month in October, hundreds of shelters and rescues nationwide are participating in this year's Rescue Effect campaign to engage more adopters and reduce the time animals spend waiting for loving homes. As part of this year's campaign, the ASPCA is once again providing $2 million in grant funding to help 200 participating shelters waive adoption fees and support their operating costs, giving more animals the chance to find loving homes. About the ASPCA(R) The ASPCA(R)(The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. For 160 years, we've been on the frontlines to save, transform and protect millions of lives in the fight against animal cruelty. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, we assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, our commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. SOURCE ASPCA(R)

City of Rochester, New York
Aug 10th, 2026
Rochester Animal Services joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect.

Rochester Animal Services joins the ASPCA's Rescue Effect. Adoption events continue during ongoing renovations. Rochester Animal Services (RAS) is joining the ASPCA's Rescue Effect campaign, a nationwide effort to help more shelter animals find loving homes. As part of the campaign, RAS will offer fee-waived adoptions for eligible pets on select dates from August through October, giving the community more opportunities to welcome a new family member while helping create space for animals in need during ongoing shelter renovations. In addition to adoption opportunities at the shelter, RAS will bring adoptable dogs into the community through a series of special adoption events designed to help more pets find loving homes. Fee-waived adoption events currently include: * Aug. 16 - CountryMax, 2-4 p.m., 4658 W. Ridge Rd., Spencerport * Sept. 9 - Red Wings Game, 4-6 p.m., 1 Morrie Silver Way, Rochester * Sept. 26 - Rochester Animal Services, 12-4 p.m., 184 Verona St., Rochester * Oct. 11 - East Rochester Farmers' Market, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 317 Main St., East Rochester * Oct. 31 - RAS Halloween Adoption Event, 12-4 p.m., 184 Verona St., Rochester All animals available for adoption are included in the fee-waived promotion on the dates listed above, including animals currently at the shelter and those in foster care. For foster animals, the waived adoption fee will be honored for applications submitted at www.CityofRochester.gov/PetAdoption on a fee-waived adoption day, regardless of the date scheduled for the meet-and-greet. Rochester Animal Services, 184 Verona St., is open 12-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Animals available for adoption at the shelter will also be available for free on fee-waived event days. The ASPCA(R)(American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R) believes every animal deserves to live free from suffering. As the nation's first and leading animal welfare organization, they assist animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal relocation and placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary communities through research, training and resources. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than 2 million supporters nationwide, their commitment to eliminating animal cruelty is unwavering. For more information, visit aspca.org.

Association of Biotechnology Vendors and Traders
Aug 6th, 2026
ABVT welcomes eight new Diplomates after 2026 certification exam.

ABVT welcomes eight new Diplomates after 2026 certification exam. Published on 8/6/2026 The American Board of Veterinary Toxicology has announced its newest class of Diplomates, recognizing eight veterinarians who passed the 2026 board certification examination. Read more about them here! The new Diplomates bring a wide range of backgrounds spanning emergency medicine, poison control, academia, industry, and wildlife health. They include Dr. Kerri Wells, who moved from emergency practice and ASPCA Poison Control into nutrition and toxicology consulting for the pet food industry; Dr. Vanessa Cowan, a faculty member at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine whose research has focused on mycotoxins in cattle; and Dr. Catherine Dzienisiewski, who joined the ASPCA Poison Control Center in 2019 after a career in emergency and critical care. Also joining are Dr. Amin Nozari, medical director and co-founder of a specialty and emergency hospital in Ottawa with a PhD in molecular toxicology; Dr. Suzanne Khalafalla, who moved from small animal emergency medicine to the ASPCA Poison Control in 2020; and Dr. Caroline Moore, the first toxicologist at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, where she supports disease investigations and ecotoxicology monitoring. Rounding out the class are Dr. Rachel Sheffler and Dr. Lisa Farzidayeri. The ABVT congratulates all eight new Diplomates on this significant professional achievement and welcomes them to the organization.