Description
Care for laboratory animals in research facilities by providing daily husbandry, health monitoring, and sanitation. Clean and disinfect animal rooms and caging, sterilize equipment, and maintain environmental conditions. Under the direction of veterinary or research staff, administer routine treatments, assist with procedures, collect samples, and maintain accurate records in compliance with IACUC, AAALAC, and facility SOPs.
- • Maintain accurate husbandry, health, and breeding records.
- • Perform daily health and welfare checks; report abnormalities to veterinary staff.
- • Feed and water animals according to protocols and schedules.
- • Provide species-appropriate environmental enrichment.
- • Clean, disinfect, and change cages, racks, and animal rooms on set schedules.
- • Sterilize caging, instruments, and supplies using autoclaves and washers.
- • Maintain barrier entry procedures, PPE use, and biosecurity practices.
- • Monitor and record room temperature, humidity, and light cycles.
- • Set up breeding pairs, wean, and sex animals as directed.
- • Collect feces, urine, or swab specimens for testing.
- • Handle, restrain, and weigh animals for examinations or procedures.
- • Administer prescribed medications or treatments under supervision.
- • Assist with postoperative monitoring and routine care.
- • Prepare and stock procedure and surgical rooms with required supplies.
- • Receive, identify, quarantine, and acclimate incoming animals.
- • Prepare feed, special diets, bedding, and water bottles.
- • Operate cage washers, bottle fillers, autoclaves, and related equipment.
- • Dispose of biohazardous waste and carcasses per regulations.
- • Assist with humane euthanasia under approved protocols.
- • Perform sanitation and sterilization verification and record results.
- • Maintain inventories and place orders for feed, bedding, and supplies.
- • Coordinate animal transfers and shipments in compliance with regulations.
- • Inspect and report facility, equipment, or safety issues.
- • Support sentinel health surveillance programs.
- • Train or guide new staff in husbandry SOPs and safety.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
