Summer Spotlight: Cabre Capalongo ’25

By: Shannon Bunn ’24, student correspondent

As an Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine intern for Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton, Pennsylvania, Cabre Capalongo ’25 said she became more comfortable responding and adapting to unexpected situations. Under the supervision of the veterinarian and vet technician, she was involved in the preparation for surgeries and assisted during the recovery period of the animals.

Capalongo lives in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The rising junior with a major in biology and a minor in entrepreneurship on the pre-veterinary track discusses her 11-week experience participating in the University's Royal Experience Internship Program.

Describe a typical day at work. 

"Each workday, I commute around 12 miles to the Indraloka Animal Sanctuary and arrive at 7:45 a.m. Upon arrival, I speak with the veterinarian and vet technician in the clinic. We discuss the schedule for the day and any updates on the health and well-being of the sanctuary animals and off-site patients.

Around noon, we feed the dogs and cats that live in the clinic. Throughout the day, patients come in for scheduled appointments.

The veterinarian, vet technician, and I will walk from the clinic to the sanctuary and care for the sanctuary animals when needed.

At the beginning of the week, we fill medications for the sanctuary animals. Typically, spays and neuters, as well as other surgeries, are scheduled in the morning. Under the supervision of the veterinarian and vet technician, I help prepare for surgeries and then assist during the recovery period.

My day typically ends around 3:15 p.m." 

What is the time frame for your internship?

"The summer internship at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary runs for 11 weeks, from May to August. My schedule included two days each week, approximately 15 hours total each week."

What are some skills you have learned? 

"I have learned how to prepare and administer vaccines and fluids, use a ProCyte Dx Hematology Analyzer and a Catalyst One Chemistry Analyzer, how to perform Snap tests and Fecal tests, how to take radiographs and more. During my internship, I have become more familiar with medications and medical terminology. I have also had the opportunity to observe spay and neuter procedures. The skills that I have learned will help prepare me for my future as a veterinary student."

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

"My favorite part about each day is spending time with all the different animals and caring for their specific needs. At Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, I have the opportunity to work with horses, chickens, turkeys, peacocks, goats, rabbits, pigs, cows and more! My experience and skills learned from this internship will help me succeed in achieving my goal of becoming a mixed-practice veterinarian." 

Does the job match your expectations? 

"Working as an Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine intern at Indraloka has greatly exceeded my expectations. I have learned everything that I had hoped to learn, and more. Not only have I fallen in love with the animals at the sanctuary, but I have the opportunity to work with an amazing team who I can share my love for animals with. Indraloka is truly an inspiring organization. In the future, I will continue to support their mission by caring for and protecting animals that are in need." 

How do you feel that this job has prepared you for the real world? 

"Each day at the sanctuary is different, and that is one of my favorite aspects of pursuing a career in the field of veterinary science. As an Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine Intern, I have become more comfortable responding and adapting to unexpected situations. In such instances, everyone must work as a team and communicate with each other. This helps the veterinarian to properly care for the animals while ensuring the safety of both the animals and workers at the sanctuary."