Exotic Companion Animal Externships

Externship Locations Endorsed by NTS Alumni

Midwest Bird & Exotic Animal Hospital: Elmwood Park, IL

  • Length: Not specified
  • Timeline: Not specified
  • Application Materials:
    • Cover letter
    • Resume
    • Dates of availability
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Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital: Skokie, IL

  • Length: 4-6 weeks
  • Timeline: Not specified
  • Application Materials:
    • Cover letter
    • Three letters of recommendation
    • CV
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Avian & Exotic Animal Clinic of Indianapolis: Indy, IN

  • Length: Minimum of 3 weeks
  • Timeline: Not specified
  • Application Materials:
    • Letter of intent
    • Preferred dates/proposed length of externship
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Arbor View Animal Hospital: Valparaiso, IN

  • Length: Not specified
  • Timeline: Not specified
  • Application Materials:
    • Resume or CV
    • Preferred dates/proposed length of externship
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Kersting Vet Hospital and Bird Medicine & Surgery: Chesterfield, MO

  • Length: Not specified
  • Timeline: Not specified
  • Application Materials:
    • Current resume
    • Cover letter
  • Offer paid extern hours***
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Throughout my time at Arbor View, I was mentored by a team of veterinarians. Dr. Weigel encouraged me to think critically, talk through cases, and interpret diagnostic results alongside the medical team. This collaborative approach not only reinforced my medical decision-making skills but also highlighted the importance of clear communication within a veterinary team. Dr. Love challenged me to think beyond dogs and cats and involved me in reptile and amphibian cases, where she showed me how to provide treatments for these species. She is a wealth of knowledge and is always more than happy to share what she knows!

In addition to clinical reasoning, both Dr. Weigel and Dr. Reardon allowed me to participate in surgical procedures and helped build my confidence in surgery as a whole. All the doctors at this practice are excellent mentors for various aspects of clinical medicine; Dr. Herbert, in particular, is invaluable as a mentor. She talked me through many different procedures, gave me resources, and was so supportive during my stay at the clinic.

Overall, my externship at Arbor View Animal Hospital was an invaluable experience that enhanced both my technical proficiency and my clinical judgment. I am grateful for the mentorship and teaching I received, and I feel better prepared to enter practice as a well-rounded veterinarian. ~ Dana Williams, Class of 2027

More testimonials Coming Soon~!

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Looking for more options?

View the externship listings on the websites below.

AAV Locator ARAV Listings AVMA Locator
Last updated Fall 2025
The Non-Traditional Species Club
2001 S Lincoln Ave
Urbana, IL 61802
Email: illini.nts@gmail.com