Volunteer Positions

VSH offers volunteer positions to enthusiastic, positive, and ambitious college students who have a desire to pursue veterinary medicine as a career. Students will volunteer for two four-hour shifts per week in a fast paced emergency and intensive care facility at either the Cary or North Raleigh location.  Volunteers are given the opportunity to participate and help the nursing staff as well as work with seasoned, emergency veterinarians. Students will have the opportunity to prepare a presentation related to an emergency topic of their choosing. This presentation will be given to nurses and emergency veterinarians in a casual environment at the end of the student's volunteer commitment.

This is a great opportunity to gain 200+ hours of experience at a distinguished specialty hospital in a fun working environment. Upon completion of two semesters in the volunteer program, volunteers may request a letter of recommendation for veterinary school application.  Volunteers should ideally commit for two full semesters over the course of a school year, but students that can only commit for one semester will be considered.

Students in the program will be allowed 4 missed shifts, with one week notice, for reasons of ill health, course exams, school breaks, or other similar commitments. Missed shifts without notice are grounds for termination of the relationship.

Volunteer shifts will be from 6-10 pm during the weekdays (Monday through Friday) at both the Cary and North Raleigh locations, 10 am - 2 pm or 6-10 pm at Cary(Saturday/Sunday) or 6-10pm at North Raleigh (Saturday/Sunday). Each student in the program will be responsible for one weekday shift and one weekend shift per week. Volunteers are expected to be punctual and in appropriate work attire (scrubs of the appropriate color).

At the completion of the program, students can apply for summer positions as a paid veterinary assistant at VSH. Paid positions may also be extended beyond summer depending on the needs of the hospital and skill level of the student.

Applicants must be 18 years old to apply and have proof of health insurance. A volunteer waiver must be completed by people who are selected into this program.  Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to vshvolunteer@vshcarolinas.com beginning August 15^th (prior to start of the school year) and no later than September 10^th, 2012. Resumes submitted outside of this timeline will not be considered.  Please indicate preference for either the Cary or North Raleigh location or both.

In the cover letter please discuss any prior veterinary experience and your reasons for applying. Although previous work experience in veterinary medicine is a plus, a positive attitude, good academics, and successful work ethic are more desirable qualifications in a candidate. Applicants may be contacted to visit the hospital for a tour and interview.

If selected to participate, volunteers must fill out a release form prior to arrival.

Click here for a more detailed job description.