Penn Vet Working Dog Center is the premier detection dog research, development and training facility in the US. All aspects of working dog medicine including nutrition, behavior, training, dentistry, sports medicine, conditioning, disaster response, reproduction, emergency first aid, preventive medicine and genetics will be addressed. There is both research and practical component to this externship. Students in their clinical year are welcome to apply for a 2-4 week rotation at the center. No stipend is provided. For more information see www.PennVetWDC.org
Our training center houses up to working dogs in training ranging in age from 8 weeks to 5 years. Dogs are in training in a positive reinforcement environment for careers in detection (search and rescue, narcotics, explosives, medical detection and law enforcement). We have 8000 sq ft of indoor dedicated space for housing, training and conditioning. We have a dedicated rehabilitation facility. We have outdoor agility, a rubble pile and abandoned buildings for training. We provide all routine medical care on site and any additional care is provided by the Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania. The facility is staffed by Dr. Otto who is board certified in emergency and critical care and canine sports medicine and rehabilitation. She is a certified canine rehabilitation therapist and Fitpaws Master Trainer. The training staff includes 7 full time time trainers and the program is supported by numerous volunteers.
All of the resources of the Penn Vet School are available in addition to an extensive library of books and videos specific to working dogs. Interns
can participate in training seminars (first aid, fitness) offered by the PVWDC.
Students will participate in husbandry assessments including routine physical exams, administration of medications, first aid, semen collection, gait
analysis, fitness and conditioning, physical rehabilitation and behavioral training and modification. The Externship rotation for veterinary students is Monday thru Friday. We are open from 7am to 7pm so students can plan on spending between 8 and 10 hours a day at the Center, which is a part of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The students will be working with both the trainers and the veterinarians. They will be supervised at all times. Direct veterinary supervision will be available 50% of the time, but access to veterinarians will be available 100% of the time.
Students can contact the Penn Vet Student Affairs office to help identify possible housing