Veterinary Externship - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA ) is presently accepting applications from veterinary students who are interested in gaining more experience with zoo and aquatic animal medicine. Applications will be due December 31, 2025 for the January 2026 - January 2027 cycle. Only students who will be completing their final year of veterinary education (at the time of the rotation) from an accredited veterinary college will be considered.

The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. PDZA is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org .

PDZA's veterinary team includes a head veterinarian, two associate veterinarians (one full-time, one shared with Northwest Trek), as well as three veterinary technicians and a hospital manager. Students can expect to obtain practical experience with zoo and aquatic species with regard to anesthesia, radiography, dentistry, practical examination, medical record entry, necropsy, behavior / training, and lab work evaluation.

All students accepted for this position must provide proof of a negative TB test (administered within the last year) and proof of tetanus vaccination within the previous 5 years. All students are considered unpaid volunteers, and as such, the zoo does not provide medical coverage for on the job injuries or incidents. Students must be available for a minimum of 4 weeks to be considered for placement.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Emily Mattox at Emily.Mattox@pdza.org .PDN-a029e1df-25af-49c3-978b-f68d7a175733