Animal welfare interns sought

The Humane Society of Yuma is offering summer internships at their new facility, thanks to a grant from the Yuma Community Foundation.

Two local high school students will have the opportunity to begin the six-week, paid internship in mid-June.

They will experience all aspects of animal welfare, said HSOY development director Cookie Wagter, from cleaning kennels to assisting with surgeries to inoculating animals.

Students must meet certain requirements as well as write a 1,500-word essay on, “What does the phrase ‘Be Humane' mean to you? What does it mean to the community?” and turn in two letters of recommendation from educators. Requirements include being a junior or senior in good standing for the 2013-2014 academic year, planning to continue education in veterinary medicine, have a grade-point average of 3.2 or higher and excellent attendance.

All applications must be postmarked by May 1. Applicants will be notified of results the week of May 20.

Applications should be submitted to Cookie Wagter, Humane Society of Yuma, 4050 S. Avenue 4½ E., Yuma, AZ, 85365. For more information, call HSOY at 782-1621.

“We are excited to be able to offer two future veterinarian or vet technicians an opportunity to experience working with animals at all levels of care,” said Wagter, noting that this is the first time HSOY has been able to offer an internship like this.

“The new facility and the awarding of a grant allows us to make this possible. This was not possible at the old facility. Besides the listed requirements, we are seeking students with a heart for the welfare of animals. We hope many students will apply. Our board will evaluate the essays and will select the two best applicants.”

Sarah Womer can be reached at swomer@yumasun.com or 539-6858. Find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/YSSarahWomer or on Twitter at @YSSarahWomer.