The SF SPCA offers general practice externship opportunities for 4th year veterinary candidates from UC Davis & Western University College of Veterinary Medicine degree programs. Students can experience a modern, full-service general practice hospital at our Mission Campus. We are unique in that our general practice programs integrate with our community medicine programs introducing veterinary students with an interest in rescue and welfare to a progressive, clinical care model in a large, urban setting.
We have a medical staff of 40+ DVMs. Student externs gain valuable experience at the SF SPCA campuses. We also host interns (first year post-graduates) for spay/neuter surgical rotations via the VCA San Francisco Veterinary Specialists internship program. The SF SPCA does not offer internships for veterinary post-graduates or training to veterinarians seeking s/n surgical experience.
Student externs participate in the following modules as available:
Our Veterinary Hospital is open seven days per week. Externs gain experience with treatment plans, client communication, gathering patient histories, surgical procedures, emergency services medicine, preventive care, dentistry and diagnostics. Students are invited to participate in daily hospital rounds and continuing education events.
Our Community Cares Program provides experience with feral cat outreach, spay-neuter and treatment and coordinates our monthly vaccine clinics. (Weekend availability mostly. Based at Mission Campus, but externs at either campus attend clinics.)
At this time, we are redeveloping our educational offerings in Shelter Medicine and Behavior Medicine. We hope to create an experience that provides externs with tangible knowledge they can apply upon graduation. While we are under construction, we would be happy to provide an in-depth tour of our facilities.
Contact the Clinician Staff Coordinator for more info about SF SPCA externships: mmoreno-martinez@sfspca.org
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San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization. EIN: 94-0836580
To expedite the adoption process, please complete the cat or dog adoption form and bring a printed copy with you to the SF SPCA Adoption Center (Hours & Location). This helps us better understand what sort of pet you’re looking for so we can guide you every step of the way! Please bring a valid photo ID and verification that you are allowed to have a pet where you currently live.
First, we’ll meet with you to find out more about you and your pet preferences and answer your questions. Our goal is to help you find the pet that best fits your lifestyle and living situation so we want to make sure you have a realistic understanding of the time and resources necessary to provide training, medical treatment, and proper care for your new pet. This can take time so please allow at least one hour for the adoption process.
Once we have a good understanding of your living situation and the type of pet you’re interested in, we’ll make introductions and let you spend some quality time getting to know each other to see if there’s a love connection. It’s important that all household members take part in this important decision so please make sure everyone is present (including any resident dogs if you’re considering adding a new pooch to your pack).
Once love happens, we’ll complete the paperwork, review all the SF SPCA adoption benefits, provide information on any known medical or behavioral issues, and share tips to make the transition a success for both you and your new pet.
We consider you and your new furry friend a part of the SF SPCA family so please reach out with questions ― and be sure to share your adoption stories and pet photos at sfspca.org/stories
Don’t forget to schedule your first free health exam at the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital within three days of adopting.