PAWS Chicago’s Medical Center provides an immersive elective experience designed for veterinary students interested in high-volume shelter medicine, surgery, and community-focused veterinary care. Students will work alongside experienced veterinarians and technicians in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment that supports both shelter and our low cost public clinic.
Externs will participate in:
Students will gain insight into how shelter and clinical medicine intersect to support lifesaving outcomes on a large scale. The experience emphasizes medical quality, efficiency, and collaboration while helping future veterinarians develop practical skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Supervision and mentorship are provided by our Shelter Medicine and Clinic teams, with opportunities to tailor the rotation toward areas of particular interest (e.g., surgery, internal medicine, population health).
PAWS Chicago operates a 25,000-square-foot Medical Center that houses both our high-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic and our Shelter Medicine facilities, along with housing for up to 250 animals at any given time.
Our clinic performs high-quality spay/neuter surgeries for up to 100 animals per day and provides a full range of general surgical procedures for shelter animals, including dental procedures (with digital radiography), amputations, enucleations, mass removals, foreign body surgeries, and more.
Our Shelter Medicine department provides ongoing medical care for more than 500 animals across PAWS facilities and within our foster network. The Medical Center includes a full in-house laboratory, digital radiography, and ultrasound capabilities, and we utilize outside reference laboratories to ensure comprehensive diagnostics and care for complex cases prior to adoption.
PAWS employees 9 full time veterinarians, with a wide range of skills and experience to help teach and mentor all externs.
Externs are expected to participate in the daily operations of the PAWS Chicago Medical Center as active members of the veterinary team. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some flexibility depending on the extern’s focus area and rotation needs. Weekend participation may be available based on Shelter Medicine caseloads or special opportunities.
Externs are encouraged to engage in both observation and hands-on learning under the supervision of our veterinarians and technicians. Responsibilities may include:
Professional behavior, reliability, and communication with staff and mentors are essential. Externs are expected to arrive on time, participate fully in scheduled activities, and demonstrate initiative and curiosity throughout their rotation.
3516 W 26th St
Chicago, IL 60623
United States