Option 1: Shadowing

This opportunity is perfect for individuals wanting to see what animal care is all about by shadowing our interns for a few weeks. The schedule offers flexibility; we only require a minimum commitment of 24 hours per week in our animal area, although we can schedule up to 40 hours if you wish. You’ll gain extensive hands-on experience as you learn to care for most of our animals. The educational experience is tailored to your interests—you can either focus on a specific area to deeply understand a small group of animals or rotate through different areas each day.

Shadowing provides the flexibility to work or volunteer part-time at other businesses, perfect if you're not ready to commit to animal care full-time just yet. This is our most affordable option, at only $100 per week, which covers housing and amenities throughout your stay while you gain valuable hands-on experience in animal care.

Option 2: Training

Our second option features a comprehensive training program, similar to attending school (but cooler since it takes place at a zoo!). You will need to adhere to a more structured schedule, as half of your time will be devoted to independent (yet guided) learning projects focused on animal care topics. This program lasts a minimum of five weeks, with the option to extend for another five weeks to explore more advanced subjects. Your weekly schedule will include 40 hours of training, where mornings will be spent shadowing our animal interns. Afternoons are reserved for delving into the weekly topic and completing a project. You'll gain invaluable hands-on experience while also learning how to research various topics and species of interest.

This option, which we recently referred to as our Gap Year program, is ideal for individuals looking to ease into college education without the immediate pressure. Due to the increased supervision and resources required for this educational training, the initial five weeks are offered at $1,000, with the option to extend for an additional five weeks at a cost of $500.

Core Competancies

Whether shadowing or undertaking our training program, participants will gain experience in:

• 1. Basic Animal Care
• 2. Observation and Behavior
• 3. Basic Health Care
• 4. Nutrition
• 5. Interaction and Handling
• 6. Record Keeping
• 7. Enrichment
• 8. Restraint and Transportation
• 9. Animal Knowledge

Accomodation

Participants are housed in fully-furnished and equipped, modern apartments on our property. Depending on the size and make-up of the group, participants will either live together or next door to each other. Their supervisors and other Ranch employees will be on the property at all times and available if needed. Housing is located within a short walk of other residences and the animal area. The cost of housing is included in program fees.

Meals are the responsibility of participants, but transportation to the grocery store can be provided.

Scholarships

We never want financial resources to be a barrier to entering the ACT Education Program. Scholarships are available to participants to cover program fees, up to $1000. Please submit your request for a scholarship during the application process.

Participant schedules can also be adjusted to allow for additional paid work outside of the program. The shadow program requires a minimum of 24 hours per week, but the schedule is flexible. If you are from outside of Rolla, MO, we are also happy to provide advice on places to gain work or additional volunteer hours.

Register for the Gap Year Program