INTERNSHIPS & EXTERNSHIPS

Veterinary Associates Equine Internship Positions

Veterinary Associates Equine offers multiple staggered yearlong positions that traditionally commence in January and July. There may also be an opportunity for a six-month internship position. 

Vet Associates is a full-service equine ambulatory and referral practice based in Karaka, South Auckland, with satellite practices in Kumeu and Warkworth. Veterinarians on staff at the Vet Associates Equine Hospital in Karaka include two board-certified surgeons, two board-certified internists, and a team of ambulatory vets. The specialists are readily available to provide backup and support for all members of the practice. The practice is heavily involved in all types of equine pursuits, including sport horses, Thoroughbred racehorses, Standardbred racehorses, and pleasure horses, providing a tremendous variety of work. 

The interns are based in Karaka and rotate through the medicine, surgery, and ambulatory departments. They share on-call responsibilities, which includes assisting with emergency hospital admissions and the care of hospital patients. In addition, as the interns’ clinical skills develop, they will be responsible for primary ambulatory emergency duty on a rotating schedule with the ambulatory vets. Mentorship and support are important components of our program. The interns will be given a broad-reaching education and will be provided the skills to become exemplary equine veterinarians. The program is designed such that the interns, upon completion of the program, are prepared to enter directly into a position in a private practice setting or as applicants into a residency program.

The work environment is attractive; our custom-built hospital is well equipped with the latest equine medical technology. This includes a fully equipped surgical suite, dynamic endoscopy, digital radiography, ultrasonography, dentistry gear, IRAP, PRP, a stem cell culture facility, and an in-house diagnostic laboratory.

New Zealand is renowned for the great outdoors, and our local area is no exception. We have beautiful beaches, surf, fishing, forest and bush walks, and great local schools. We are on the outskirts of a large city, with many restaurants in the area, and city culture is a short drive away. Many of our staff are involved in equestrian sports, including popular local fox hunts, show jumping, pony club, racing, and polo. This is a great opportunity to join the dedicated and enthusiastic Vet Associates Equine family and to be a part of our growing practice in beautiful New Zealand!

Students in their final year of study along with recent graduates, including those working in mixed practice, are encouraged to apply. 

Applicants need to be eligible for full veterinary licensure in New Zealand (details available at https://www.vetcouncil.org.nz/Web/Veterinarians/Registration.aspx). 

Applications should include a cover letter, a CV, and the names and contact details of three references. To submit an application or to discuss the internship program in more detail, please contact Jenny Sonis at jenny@vetassociates.co.nz or at +64 9 294 7307