Laboratory Animal Caretaker: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Laboratory Animal Caretaker
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Practice Now »What is a Laboratory Animal Caretaker?
Laboratory Animal Caretakers are responsible for looking after animals used in scientific research, ensuring their well-being and proper care. This role involves tasks such as feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and maintaining a safe environment for the animals while supporting the research teams in a laboratory setting.
Skills
- Knowledge of animal behavior and biology
- Ability to follow strict protocols and procedures
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record-keeping
- Physical stamina and ability to lift and move animals and equipment
- Communication skills for working with other animal care staff and veterinarians
- Understanding of animal welfare regulations and ethical considerations
- Ability to recognize and respond to signs of illness or distress in animals
- Basic computer skills for data entry and record-keeping
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing schedules and tasks
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
Qualifications & Education
- University degree in veterinary science
- Registration as a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
- Pre-entry experience in a veterinary practice (may be required for entry to a university veterinary school)
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
Laboratory animal workers are individuals who take care of animals used in scientific research, including assistant laboratory animal technicians, laboratory animal technicians, and laboratory animal technologists. They ensure the animals are well-cared for and provide support to scientists who use laboratory animals for a variety of purposes.
An animal lab technician, also known as a laboratory animal caretaker, is responsible for ensuring that animals in a laboratory setting are clean, comfortable, and well-cared for. They control the environment by monitoring heating, lighting, and humidity, and also monitor the animals' weight and behavior. They follow strict hygiene rules to maintain a clean and safe facility.
An animal technician is a professional who works with animals to support scientists and students in various fields such as veterinary, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and medical research. They observe and care for animals used for breeding, scientific, and research purposes.
To become an animal technician in the UK, you typically need to work towards Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) qualifications. The entry level qualification is the IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry. Training is usually on the job.
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