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April 26, 2013

Interns, Puppy Mills Campaign—Campaigns

The Puppy Mills Campaign internship application is currently closed for summer applicants; we will resume the application process for the fall 2013 session beginning in June.

The Campaigns department helps animals by educating the public about animal issues, advocating for better laws to protect them, partnering with corporations on behalf of animal-friendly policies, investigating cases of animal cruelty, and providing animal rescue and emergency response. The Campaigns department is seeking Puppy Mills Campaign interns (click to view expanded position description) to provide assistance on key projects necessary to the furtherance of their goals.

Interns will be able to gain a deeper understanding of the puppy mill industry and how it intersects with the issues of animal health, animal shelters, responsible breeding practices, pet overpopulation, the broader pet industry, and animal protection legislation. Interns will also gain valuable experience learning how research is gathered and analyzed to track trends and changes in the pet industry and to help us target our public policy efforts.

Responsibilities and projects include:

• Conduct online research, such as study online breeder ads and news stories about puppy mill busts, and analyze public kennel inspection reports
• Work on various databases and assist with document organization; update and prepare Excel spreadsheets
• Make phone calls and send emails to request constituent or advocate support for new public policies or to update the campaign’s advocacy lists
• Assist in updating HSUS data on Puppy Friendly Pet Stores (stores that do not sell puppies), and/or help with mailing materials to the stores and updating the program’s contact lists
• Completing Humane Society University Campaigns course and Puppy Mills Campaign course

Please apply to join us as an intern if you meet the following requirements:

• Strong communication, research, and writing skills
• Pay attention to detail, commitment to accuracy, and an eagerness to learn about puppy mills and related issues
• Proficient online research tools, Microsoft Office suite, and general knowledge of social media
• Basic knowledge of puppy mill issues by reading www.humanesociety.org/puppymills and www.humanesociety.org/puppy for needed background information

The internship time commitment is typically 30 hours per week for 10–12 weeks; a reduced schedule would be considered. This internship offers a commuting stipend corresponding to number of days worked (maximum $50/week) is available; it is paid upon successful completion of the internship. Additionally, course credit can be arranged.

Interns must pass a criminal background check and sign a waiver and release of liability. The internship is located in our Gaithersburg, Md., office.

Back to Internship Opportunities