Tufts Students Gained Hands-on Experience While Supporting ARL’s Community Programs

This summer, the Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) welcomed two students from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine who gained valuable real-world experience while supporting programs that help animals and the people who care for them throughout Massachusetts.

Through two different academic programs, Lindsey Powers and Mariana Pavia spent their time with ARL working alongside staff, learning firsthand how veterinary care, community outreach, animal welfare, and public policy can come together to create meaningful change.

Expanding Access to Veterinary Care

Lindsey Powers, a first-year veterinary student at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, joined ARL through the Tisch Summer Fellows program.

During her time with ARL, Lindsey supported ARL’s Community Medicine team and gained experience with several programs designed to make veterinary care more accessible, including the Spay Waggin’®, Wellness Waggin’®, and ARL’s Community Surgical Clinic.

A veterinary student in bright pink scrubs gently cradles a kitten in a modern veterinary clinic setting.

Lindsey Powers on the ARL’s Wellness Waggin’®

By working alongside ARL’s veterinary team, Lindsey learned more about the role accessible veterinary services can play in strengthening communities and helping pets remain healthy and with the families who love them.

The Tisch Summer Fellows program places Tufts University students with nonprofits, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and other social impact organizations. The program combines professional development with opportunities for students to strengthen their ability to collaborate with diverse communities, address systemic challenges, and contribute to positive social change.

Learning About Community Needs and Program Impact

Mariana Pavia, who is pursuing her Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, also spent the summer gaining hands-on experience at ARL.

As part of the program’s Applied Track, students complete a 10- to 12-week summer externship that provides practical experience with animal-related policies, programs, advocacy, and community engagement.

During her externship, Mariana supported several of ARL’s Community Operations programs, including Wellness Waggin’®, Keep Pets S.A.F.E. (Supporting Animals and Families Everyday), and ARL’s Field Services.

Two smiling people pose behind an “Animal Rescue League of Boston” table piled with pet food, treats, supplies, and tennis balls on a sunny street.

Mariana Pavia (right) poses with an ARL staff member at a ARL pet food pop up event

A key focus of her work was surveying Wellness Waggin’® clients to learn more about their experiences, current needs, and the program’s impact in the communities it serves. The information gathered helped provide ARL with additional insight into the people and pets utilizing these services and opportunities to continue strengthening its community-based programs.

The Animals and Public Policy program examines relationships between people and animals through the lenses of science, policy, ethics, human behavior, and environmental systems. Its externship experience gives students an opportunity to see how these issues intersect in a practical setting while developing skills for careers in animal welfare, policy, and advocacy.

Gain Hands-On Experience at ARL

Interested in gaining hands-on experience in animal welfare and veterinary medicine? ARL offers opportunities for students to learn alongside our experienced teams while making a difference for animals and the people who care for them.

Learn more about ARL’s Veterinary Technician Student Internship and Veterinary Student Externship opportunities and discover how you can get involved.