Happy Birthday, Internship Program!

Napa Humane’s internship program for Napa County high school students turns the big ONE this year!

When a New Tech High student interested in veterinary medicine reached out to us about an internship in early 2018, we thought – what a perfect addition to our humane education programs! Napa Humane interns complete 60 hours in the field to gain insight into the world of animal welfare and/or veterinary medicine. By the end of their commitment, the interns come away with valuable work experience and a much better idea of whether a career in our field might be of interest to them.

Duties are tailored to their specific interests, so (depending on their availability) interns have the chance to shadow our vet for 7:15 a.m. check-ins at our spay/neuter clinic, during surgery, and during their examinations at our wellness clinics. They can observe and ask questions firsthand, and learn to overcome any natural squeamishness. They also help us prepare for our surgery days, cleaning and sterilizing surgical instruments, cleaning and sanitizing cages, monitoring animals post-surgery, and doing the all-important laundry.

Interns have also lent a hand with Humane Education presentations, and learned about the details of animal welfare. Some have been able to assist us during our Friday vaccine clinic by pulling up vaccines, properly restraining animals for their shots, and maintaining detailed vaccine clinic records.

We’ve been so inspired by the five bright, dedicated young people we’ve worked with so far. One of our interns from American Canyon, who came to us through a Career Technical Education Internship Class, is so passionate about a career in veterinary medicine that she is giving up her entire Spring Break to spend time at our clinic shadowing our vet and medical staff, in addition to studying on her own!

We are committed to giving Napa County high school interns the best experience and opportunity that we can . . . and we look forward to working with them again as alumni!

Follow the link to read about Dr. Caitlin Underhill, who first started volunteering with us when she was in middle school, and now helps Napa’s neediest pets as a licensed veterinarian.