Animal Technology Careers

The Role of the Animal Technician
Animal Technologists are responsible for the care and welfare of animals being bred for or used in research. Some technicians are involved in the experimental work.

Conflict over the care of the animal and the work of the researchers rarely, if ever, occurs because an unhealthy animal gives poor and unreliable results.

Mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits are the most usual species to be cared for though some situations call for the use of dogs, cats, monkeys, farm animals, amphibians, fish, insects or even exotic animals. 

The different requirements of these species and the experiments lead to a wide variety of working environments from open fields to conditions resembling hospitals or even space laboratories.

As a trainee animal technician you will be taught routine tasks such as observing and checking animals, cleaning out cages, washing and cleaning equipment and rooms, feeding, watering and the safe and comfortable ways of handling the animals. These duties are important to the welfare of the animals.

More experienced Animal Technologists will become involved in scientific procedures and management of facilities.

Careers Guide
For more information about careers in Animal Technology take a look at our Careers Leaflet.

Hard copies can be ordered by email or PDF copies can be downloaded here.