Intern orientation includes a tour of the Sanctuary and Bunny House, overview of rules, safety protocols, and daily schedule. Interns will have the opportunity to meet with Best Friends founders and Senior Leadership, learn about and shadow staff in other departments, work on projects specific to their learning and career goals, and attend presentations on various animal welfare topics. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work within a team setting to oversee the health, well-being, and general care of domestic rabbits and guinea pigs.
  • Assist in providing basic and routine care for animals which includes feeding, watering, light grooming, and transportation to medical appointments.
  • Assist in supporting the animals’ medical needs which includes learning about rabbit illnesses and injuries, medicating, treating, observing and reporting, syringe-feeding, and the maintenance of required veterinary records.  
  • Clean work areas and preserve the physical appearance of rabbit buildings and grounds: scooping, sweeping, mopping, trash removal, laundry, etc.
  • Assist in creating a comfortable and stimulating environment for the animals, including helping with rabbit introductions, socialization, and enrichment opportunities.
  • Follow all safety and quarantine protocols outlined by department leadership.
• Be a Sanctuary ambassador, representing Best Friends’ work to visitors and volunteers, and speaking to the Sanctuary’s special role in Best Friends’ no-kill mission. 
  • Work alongside and support volunteers, workshop attendees, and other types of visitors. 
  • Greet and conduct tours, speak about specific animals, rabbit welfare issues, the work of Bunny House and the Sanctuary, and answer questions.
  • Interns may be asked to represent Bunny House at various community events. 
• Attend and participate in various learning, networking, and socialization opportunities with other interns, Best Friends staff members and founders. 
• Treat people around you with Kindness and Compassion, build trust by demonstrating authenticity and following through on your commitments, prioritize your well-being, and work to build strong inclusive relationships with your colleagues by participating in communication loops to share and receive honest feedback.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of domestic rabbits and guinea pigs and their housing, dietary, and enrichment needs.
• Learn and practice basic rabbit and guinea pig medical care including how to administer medication and notice and treat subtle illnesses.
• Develop an understanding of basic behaviors, body language, and signs of stress in domestic rabbits and guinea pigs.
• Practice and improve collaboration, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. 
• Gain skills in communicating with visitors and giving engaging and interactive tours, creating positive volunteer experiences.
• Develop an understanding of animal welfare and Best Friends 2025 mission.
• Individual goals and projects can be adjusted to the intern’s interest (i.e., medical, behavioral/enrichment, or education). 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong desire to work with rabbits and guinea pigs. 
• Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback, and a commitment to learning and improvement. 
• Professional work ethic and independent time management skills.
• Commitment to communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
• Resourcefulness, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. 
• Must be able to:
  • Routinely lift up to 60 pounds and perform daily strenuous and/or repetitive activities including sweeping, mopping, bending, stooping, lifting, reaching, walking, and working at computers (typing, hand motions). 
  • Work indoors and outdoors in a variety of weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
• Must be comfortable with:
  • Potential contact with hay, dust and other allergens.
  • Potential exposure to zoonotic disease.
  • Interaction with animals that have significant behavioral and/or medical issues.
  • Potential exposure to animal injury, illness, and/or death.