The following Canadian Zoos and Aquariums offer externships/preceptorships for final year veterinary students:
ALBERTA
1) WILDER INSTITUTE/CALGARY ZOO
Institution: Calgary Zoo Animal Health Centre
Address: 1625 Centre Ave East, Calgary, AB T2E 8K2
Primary Contact: Dr. Doug Whiteside
Position (of Contact): Head Veterinarian and Senior Manager- Animal Health and Welfare
Phone: 403-232-9390
Email Address: dougw@calgaryzoo.com
Brief description of program: Student will participate and be exposed to the various aspects of zoological medicine, surgery, and pathology with a collection size of approximately 1000 animals. Student often have opportunity to shadow zookeepers one day a week in different areas of the zoo as well to learn more about husbandry, training and enrichment, and nutrition.
Duration of Externship: 3-4 weeks
Application Deadline: At least one year in advance of desired placement date due to demand
Compensation: None
Housing: A bachelor apartment is available at the Animal Health Centre ($100/week)
Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the zoo
Insurance: Student must provide own insurance
Expenses: Student is responsible for own expenses
TB Tests/Vaccinations: Not required; however, up-to-date tetanus and rabies vaccinations are recommended
Does program accept International applicants? Yes
Institution: Edmonton Valley Zoo
Address: 13315 Buena Vista Road, Edmonton, Alberta
Primary Contact: Dr MJ Limoges
Position (of Contact): Head Veterinarian
Phone: 780-496-4850
Email Address: mj.limoges@edmonton.ca
Brief description of program: Student will be exposed to all aspects of veterinary medicine in a zoological setting. The collection comprises approximately 500 animals, with an emphasis on mammals. Student will be responsible for data entry on current cases. Student will have opportunity to shadow zookeepers in different areas of the zoo, according to interest.
Duration of Externship: 2-4 weeks
Application Deadline: N/A
Compensation: None
Housing: Not provided, but sometimes arrangements can be made with zoo staff
Transportation: Not provided, but sometimes arrangements can be made with zoo staff
Insurance: Student must provide own
Expenses: Student is responsible for own expenses
TB Tests/Vaccinations: Not required; however, up-to-date tetanus and rabies vaccinations are recommended
Does program accept International applicants? Yes
ONTARIO
1) TORONTO ZOO
Institution: Toronto Zoo
Address: 361A Old Finch Avenue Toronto, ON M1B 5K7
Primary Contact: Andrea Dada
Position (of Contact): Wildlife Health Clerk
Phone: (416) 392-5978
Email Address: adada@torontozoo.ca
Brief description of program: Student will be exposed to all aspects of veterinary medicine in a zoological setting. The collection comprises approximately 3000 animals of over 300 species. The veterinary extern will gain experience by shadowing and assisting the clinical veterinarian and medical team through their daily duties. The extern will assist with the preventative and curative medicine and surgery of wildlife under our care, which includes a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and invertebrates. The extern will also be exposed to various aspects of curatorial and health management in a zoo setting.
Duration of Externship: 3-4 weeks
Application Deadline: April 1st, 2025. To apply, click HERE to download documents
Compensation: None
Housing: Not provided.
Transportation: Not provided.
Insurance: Student must provide own and provide proof of coverage
Expenses: Student is responsible for own expenses.
TB Tests/Vaccinations: Negative intradermal TB test, current protective rabies titer.
Does program accept International applicants? Yes