The Wildlife Center of Virginia is a non-profit hospital for native wildlife, located in Waynesboro, Virginia. The goal of the veterinary department is to advance the mission of the Wildlife Center by providing professional medical care to injured, sick and orphaned wild animals in order to return them to their natural environment; training veterinarians and professional veterinary and veterinary technician students in wildlife medicine; conducting health studies on the diseases of free-living wildlife; and disseminating information on health issues of wildlife to the public and policymakers. More than 50 articles authored by members of the Center's veterinary team [including staff veterinarians, residents, and interns] have appeared in professional veterinary medicine and rehabilitation journals.

The majority of the animals admitted to the Wildlife Center are injured through human intervention, and the veterinary department emphasizes measures to prevent human-related causes of morbidity and mortality.

The 5,700-square-foot state-of-the-art facility is fully equipped with gas anesthesia, critical care equipment, surgery, radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, laboratory facilities, inside and outside holding areas, and flight cages. At any time there may be from 80 to 250 animals on the premises.

The animal care staff includes three experienced wildlife veterinarians, two licensed veterinary technicians, four wildlife rehabilitators, and scores of volunteers. In addition, the Wildlife Center has a strong environmental education department that presents programs across the state and onsite.

Our veterinary and veterinary technician externship programs are designed to provide senior students (and interested veterinarians) with a hands-on experience in all aspects of wild animal handling, maintenance, and treatment. Throughout the extern's three-to-twelve week rotation s/he is taught anatomy, physical restraint, anesthesia, radiography, laboratory analysis, emergency triage, first aid, orthopedics, necropsy procedures, medications and dosages. In addition, animal housing requirements, husbandry, and the legal aspects associated with wildlife medicine are explored.

Since 1986 more than 500 externship students and wildlife health-care professionals from thirty countries and from all North American veterinary colleges have studied at the Wildlife Center. If requested, the Center will provide housing for a nominal cost. Externs are selected on a first come first serve basis; available positions often fill up six to 12 months in advance.

The Wildlife Center also will be offering a year-long Veterinary Internship commencing June 1, 2009. Application will be through the AAVC Matching Program, and the deadline for applications will be announced later this year. Questions regarding the program should be directed to Director of Veterinary Services, The Wildlife Center of Virginia, P.O. Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA 22980.

The Wildlife Center also has opportunity for Veterinary Treatment Team Volunteers.

Veterinary Externship

Veterinary Technician Externship

Veterinary Treatment Team Volunteer