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Behavior & Enrichment Internship (Unpaid) - Summer 2026

Your Mission:

To advance the mission and programs of the Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) by supporting the Behavior & Enrichment team and gaining valuable, hands-on experience in animal behavior, training, and shelter enrichment practices that improve the lives of animals in our care.

What You’ll Do:

As a Behavior & Enrichment Intern, you’ll work alongside our experienced team to help enhance the behavioral health and overall wellbeing of shelter animals. You’ll assist and observe staff as they implement behavior modification plans and enrichment activities, gaining firsthand experience in positive reinforcement, stress reduction, and the science behind animal behavior. You’ll also support the team with animal handling when appropriate, ensuring compassionate and purposeful interactions that promote trust and confidence.

Your internship will include assisting with data entry to help track animal progress and outcomes, as well as learning how enrichment and training plans are designed and adjusted to meet individual animal needs. In all your work, you’ll follow ARL safety and animal welfare guidelines, maintain accurate documentation, and model a commitment to our mission and values.

Throughout the internship, you’ll complete rotations with the leaders at ARL Main, ARL Animal Services, and the Second Chance Ranch to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ARL’s shelter operations. You’ll also complete a research-based educational project designed to deepen your understanding of animal welfare and the ARL’s mission, which you’ll present at the conclusion of your internship. In all aspects of your work, you’ll support efforts to reduce stress and disease through compassionate and purposeful handling of animals while adhering to ARL policies and safety protocols.

What You Bring:

You have a passion for animal welfare and a curiosity about animal behavior and enrichment techniques. You’re observant, patient, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Previous experience handling animals or volunteering in a shelter setting is helpful but not required. You’re eager to learn, open to feedback, and able to work both independently and collaboratively with the ARL team. Most importantly, you bring empathy, professionalism, and a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of animals every day.

Working Conditions:

Work may expose you to odors, animal waste, and moderate noise, as well as animals who may be fearful or reactive. You’ll be part of a supportive, mission-driven environment where your learning and safety are prioritized. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand or sit for extended periods is required, as is the willingness to work around animal-related sights, sounds, and smells. This is a hands-on, educational internship offering meaningful experience in animal behavior, shelter enrichment, and humane care.

Why This Internship Matters:

This internship offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from animal behavior professionals and gain insight into the behavioral support and enrichment strategies used in progressive animal welfare organizations. You’ll leave with real-world experience, a deeper understanding of how behavior and enrichment impact animal outcomes, and the knowledge that your work helped improve the lives of animals waiting for their second chance.