Welcome to what could be the most exciting adventure of your life — an Internship working with and learning about dozens of gorgeous exotic cats at Big Cat Rescue, a leading accredited big cat sanctuary in beautiful sunny Florida! How long you stay and how far you want to advance is up to you — stay with us for a minimum of 12 weeks* or up to two years! You will not only gain invaluable experience and knowledge about big cats, but you’ll make lifelong friends and have experiences most people only dream of.
*10 week internships may be possible but won’t include everything you get in the 12 week course.
BIG CAT RESCUE
Our mission is to provide the best home we can for the cats in our care, end abuse of big cats in captivity, and prevent extinction of wild big cats around the world. We are home to a variety of exotic cat species, most of whom have been abandoned, abused, seized by authorities, saved from being turned into fur coats, relinquished by private owners, or retired from performing acts.
All of our daily cat care including preparing meals for the cats, feeding the cats, and cleaning their enclosures is done by our amazing interns and volunteers (local Tampa area people who love big cats just like you). We are always looking for qualified individuals who want to join us. If you would love to live on property here at our sanctuary and care for our precious exotic cats as one of our Interns, you’ve come to the right place!
INTERN REQUIREMENTS
In order to take care of our cats, you need to be:
At least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license or photo I.D.
Capable of walking and standing for extended periods of time and able to lift and carry a minimum of 50 lbs.
Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof.
Possess vision and hearing at adequate levels, good health and endurance for working outdoors in all types of weather.
Obtain a tetanus vaccination, at your own expense, which will be valid for the duration of the internship.
LEVEL 1 INTERNSHIP
All of our interns start off at Level 1. The Big Cat Rescue intern program requires diverse skill sets and responsibilities. As a Level 1, you will first learn about the sanctuary and operations, then move into specific animal husbandry training.
Additional duties for Level 1 interns include housekeeping, landscaping, diet prep, daily chores, perimeter checks of our property, and miscellaneous projects.
Intern Training also includes taking the following classes:
Orientation
Tours and Guest Relations
First Aid
Animal Emergency
Animal Observation
Small Cat Cleaning Class & Training
Small Cat Enrichment Class & Training
WORK SCHEDULE
Interns must complete 600 hours of service during the internship. This is equivalent to working 50 hours per week. The day typically 7-7:30 7:30 AM and ends between 5:30 – 6:00 PM. It’s tough work and long days but it will probably be the most rewarding and fulfilling work you’ve ever taken on!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Big Cat Rescue provides FREE HOUSING!! You’ll enjoy fully stocked housing accommodations (meaning we provide you with sheets, pillows, towels, dishes, microwave, television, etc.) and your own private bedroom. The shared areas include computer, bathroom, and kitchen areas. Intern housings are smoke, alcohol, and drug free environments. Interns are permitted to live off-site in their own accommodations at their own expense if you prefer (but it’s not as fun!). You will be given $125 for food & incidentals each week.
What costs will you have? We will need a non-refundable $60 (our cost to run a criminal background check on you) upon confirmation of your interview session. And a deposit of $300 (to hold your spot and in case there are housing or property damages during your stay). Once you’ve finished our program and passed inspection that they’re aren’t any damages, your deposit will be returned.
FUN STUFF
When you’re not working, there are some fun activities planned. Our staff members give great evening presentations periodically on fascinating educational topics such as our Rehab Bobcat Program or our ongoing Advocacy for big cats. And we have quarterly parties to celebrate YOU and our other volunteers!
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
Animal Contact: Big Cat Rescue is a strict no-contact facility. That means we never touch any of our cats.
Animal Care: No mistreatment of animals of any kind will be tolerated, including teasing, and is grounds for immediate dismissal.
Security of Animal Information Files: Any printed or digital information about the cats and their health must always be readily available to our staff, vets, and appropriate volunteers.
General Safety: No part of your body — including fingers and hands — shall ever pass through the bars of any enclosure at any time. Smoking is permitted in the designated “smoking areas” only. Absolutely no alcohol or drugs are allowed on the property at any time.
Entering Enclosures: No person is ever allowed to enter any enclosure with a cat. No one can ever enter an empty enclosure without direct permission.
APPLICATION FOR LEVEL 1 INTERNSHIP
Click Here for Intern Application
This section covers the intern application process only. Please read the entire Intern Orientation Contract (all of the information on this web page) so that you are completely aware of the requirements of the intern program, deposits and fees, work schedule, housing and transportation, and basic rules that apply to all interns, volunteers, and staff.
Big Cat Rescue can only accommodate a limited number of interns at any given time. Applications are accepted year round.
For summer internships, it is recommended that you apply no later than three months prior to your desired start date, but applications will be accepted at anytime.
Acceptance into the program is on a rolling basis throughout the year and is based on the availability of housing and applicants.
If you would like to apply for the Big Cat Rescue Internship Program, please complete the Intern Application below and submit the below listed required documents. (Email is the preferred method for submitting applications) We can’t wait to talk to you about this exciting and fulfilling opportunity!
YOUR INTERN APPLICATION WILL NEED TO INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS, FILES, AND INFORMATION:
1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. A copy of your Driver’s License or Passport
4. A quick (<3 minutes) video of you explaining why you want to intern at Big Cat Rescue. (Nothing fancy, you can do this from your phone or computer.)
5. Three professional References are required. Supervisors from jobs and volunteer opportunities preferred. Sport Coaches (or related) are also acceptable. No more than 1 education related reference will be accepted.
Applications for summer slots should be sent at least three months prior to the desired start date. Only completed applications will be considered. Thank you for your interest! We hope to see you soon!
In case you need more info to decide: http://bigcatrescue.org/intern-info/
I want to go….dj.
I'm going to try to get into this…this will be awesome.
this would be reallly good experience for my zoology major.
Have you been there? It's awesome!
Exactly what I was thinking!
I wonder if being almost 40 means I'm too old to intern. Because this is like a dream for me!
Never too old!!!
Here is a link about the Intern program at Big Cat Rescue http://bigcatrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/intern
I say go for it you'll regret it if you don't, but you'll never regret trying!
It will take much planning. This is in Florida, so I would have to convince my husband to go with our little daughter. But my mom lives there, so maybe it's not so out of reach!
You are never to old to chase your dreams!
Go for it girl!
Uhm…YES PLEASE
I'm wondering if being a young 52 is too old to intern 🙂
I'm 51 and can't keep up with them, but you are welcome to try.
Thank you for your answer Carol. Food for thought…
Yo
I'm a cultural anthropologist…
more I've known anthropos, the more I like my Cats………
and pretty much any critter to boot -^..^-
so pretty much if you are physical limited gtfo.
I want to go….dj.
I’m going to try to get into this…this will be awesome.
this would be reallly good experience for my zoology major.
Have you been there? It’s awesome!
Exactly what I was thinking!
I wonder if being almost 40 means I’m too old to intern. Because this is like a dream for me!
Never too old!!!
Here is a link about the Intern program at Big Cat Rescue http://bigcatrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/intern
I say go for it you’ll regret it if you don’t, but you’ll never regret trying!
It will take much planning. This is in Florida, so I would have to convince my husband to go with our little daughter. But my mom lives there, so maybe it’s not so out of reach!
You are never to old to chase your dreams!
Go for it girl!
Uhm…YES PLEASE
I’m wondering if being a young 52 is too old to intern 🙂
I’m 51 and can’t keep up with them, but you are welcome to try.
Thank you for your answer Carol. Food for thought…
I’m a cultural anthropologist…
more I’ve known anthropos, the more I like my Cats………
and pretty much any critter to boot -^..^-
This! I am now working hard for THIS!
Your dream is just around the corner and I know you can navigate that corner…we love & support you in this! Remember that! <3
Do you have to have any kind of special/college education to intern & what is the minimum age to intern?
Minimum age to intern is 18
I would Love to work here with all the Cats & Cat people <3.
I'm hoping to do the internship on in June 2014, how soon can I apply?
http://bigcatrescue.org/get-involved/volunteer/intern/
Having interned in 2008 I can thoroughly recommend this! Be prepared for a lot of hard work but a lot of fun too in a very rewarding environment!
Approximately how much money is needed to financially support yourself during the 3 month intern period does any previous interns know?
Could I possibly ask you how much approximately you need to financially support yourself during the 3 month period?
I have collected 3 letters of recommendation, however I've just realised that a template is provided. Does this template have to be followed or are my letters of recommendation okay?
Any Canadians volunteer there? How much would I need to save for this? Thanks!
I am interested in volunteering
Is the internships stilling going to be going on with what has been happening? If so, are the internship spot full?
I will be turning 18 this year 2021 in december, and I was wondering if I should apply in december after my birthday or wait till january 2022 to apply. I really want to do this internship.
Would you say this would be a great place to start off at as a graduated cvt?
I am a 19 year old British citizen and would love to do this internship. Is this only for national students or international students are welcomed too. Please advice.
Many thanks
Hello, good afternoon . My name is Lívia, I’m an 19 years old Veterinary student from Brazil. I’m in my second year of university and I’m super interested in your internship programs, because it would be a great opportunity for me to learn more and practice what I know. I still haven’t got the chance to start any internships, so if I could be part of your team it would be great. I’m a fast learner, can do many things, I’m very hardworking, outgoing; like to do things out of my comfort zone and love animals. I read the internship last 12 weeks, like 3 months right, because my classes here in Brazil end in the beginning of december and the third year starts probably at the end of February. That’s why I’d like to know what time would work better for the internship. Overall, I think I would be a great addition to your team andhope you like me.
Thank you for your attention. Have a great day.
Hi Livia, check out the information at BigCatRescue.org/get-involved/intern or email Erin with your specific questions at volunteer@bigcatrescue.org.
Hello, do you provide housing and can I come on the internship for a short period of time. Would love to be apart of.
Yes we provide intern housing. You can find out more at BigCatRescue.org/get-involved. If you have further questions you can email Erin at volunteer@bigcatrescue.org