Internship Program Frequently Asked Questions

There are no deadlines for internship applications. We accept them year-round and review them as they arrive. To apply, download PETA's intern application, complete it, attach a cover letter, attach a resume, and e-mail these items to InternApplicants@peta.org. You will receive a response within two weeks of the date that we receive the application materials stating whether or not you have been accepted for PETA's internship program.

For our friends traveling internationally, our organization does not participate in J-1 sponsorship or other exchange visitor programs.

We ask that applicants be willing to commit to interning for four weeks to six months. Although four weeks is the required minimum, interns are encouraged to stay at least six weeks in order to gain the maximum benefit from their time with the organization.

Office internships are not paid, but we do have traveling internship opportunities that have weekly stipends.

Yes, it's possible to get college credit for participating in an internship with PETA. Requirements for receiving internship credit vary by school, so it's recommended that you check with the career services office at your school.

You must be 18 or older to be considered for an internship. There is no maximum age to apply for a PETA internship (or to help animals).

If you are under the age of 18 and want to get active for animals, please visit peta2.com for more information about how to get active in your area. Once you turn 18, we'll be happy to take a look at your application.

Yes. Both PETA and the PETA Foundation accept interns from around the world. Our organization does not participate in J-1 sponsorship or other exchange visitor programs.

If you have been accepted, you will receive a letter confirming your internship.

Nope, no deadlines! We do recommend that you submit your application as early as possible, especially for the summer, since the program is very competitive.

Out of respect for animals and the work that PETA and the PETA Foundation do, all interns are required to be vegan while on PETA and PETA Foundation property. This includes diet (no meat, dairy products, eggs, honey, or other animal products), personal-care items (not tested on animals and containing no animal ingredients), and clothing (no leather, silk, down, wool, or other animal-derived items).

Yes. Once interns have been accepted, they will be responsible for any travel expenses related to their arrival and departure from the office at which they're interning.

The only office that currently has parking is our headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, but we encourage people to use street parking near the office.

Well, they're in big cities, and I think we all know what parking in big cities is like. Each of the offices is surrounded by areas where there is street parking, but parking can be hectic at times.

Assignments are generally based on the needs of the organizations as well as interns' skills and interests, and they vary by department. Opportunities include participating in grassroots activities, including demonstrations, community outreach, and tabling events; conducting online research; assisting with viral promotional postings; and getting the animal rights message out locally, nationally, and internationally through various efforts. Interns also do clerical work, prepare mailings, make phone calls, and work on other projects as needed in each department.

The internship program is a giant learning experience. Accepted interns will start by getting to know the office at which they'll be interning, learning about each of the departments, getting to know staff, and becoming familiar with various computer programs. Throughout the internship, there will be a number of trainings scheduled that will help with effective advocacy, what not to do at protests (and other outreach events), and much more!

Interns are scheduled to work full-time for 40 hours each week. However, scheduling may vary because of the large number of events and tours that we help with. Participation in various efforts outside normal business hours may be required.

One of the many highlights of PETA's and the PETA Foundation's internship programs is the opportunity to travel with campaigners. It is very likely that interns will be able to go on tour with campaigners, depending on the events that are planned during an intern's stay.

PETA and the PETA Foundation provide interns with a free lunch Monday through Friday. Interns are responsible for buying and preparing their own food outside business hours.

Because of PETA's high visibility, we strive to present a professional image. Interns should dress neatly and should not wear clothes that draw attention to the "messenger" rather than the message. Office attire is business casual—this will be discussed more in depth with those accepted into the internship program, but do know that the wearing of any animal products (e.g., fur, leather, wool, silk, down) is prohibited.

Although there is no guarantee that you will be offered a position if you intern, it does give you a great opportunity to network with staff members and demonstrate your talents and skills. It's also a great way to learn about the inner workings of the animal rights movement and the way that PETA and the PETA Foundation operate on a daily basis.

Housing is currently offered in Norfolk, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.—but it cannot be guaranteed. If accepted, we can work together to sort out the details and see whether or not you can stay at one of the PETA houses.

At this time, we don't have any housing available in Oakland and Los Angeles, but we may have a list of housing units that could be helpful to you.

Yes, although preference is given to those who can intern full-time. We do our best to work around all schedules, so please be sure to mention any scheduling conflicts in your application.

Expect to work hard, learn a lot of new information, hit the streets to speak up for animals, eat delicious vegan grub, and have a lot of fun.

Norfolk, Virginia: PETA's headquarters is home to the Human Resources Department, Community Animal Project, Operations Department, International Grassroots and Campaigns Department, Special Projects Division, Literature Department, Merchandise Department, and much more!
Washington, D.C.: You'll find part of PETA's Communications Department, Legal Department, Special Projects Division, and International Grassroots and Campaigns Department at this office.
Oakland, California: This office is our hub for development and fundraising, but it is also home to members of the International Grassroots and Campaigns Department.
Los Angeles, California: The Bob Barker Building is home to peta2—PETA's youth division—as well as members of the Communications Department, Marketing Department, Special Projects Division, Corporate Affairs Department, Audio/Visual Department, International Grassroots and Campaigns Department, and more!