Laboratory animal technicians are specially trained to care for the animals used in laboratory research. By using animals in research, scientists learn important information about diseases that can affect us and our pets.

A laboratory animal technician has a very special job in caring for the animals used in biomedical research. Some of the responsibilities include: feeding the animals; cleaning the animals' housing; monitoring or checking the overall comfort of the animals and providing basic treatments such as giving medication; exercising the animals; and assisting new employees in learning about the laboratory and the animals.

Since laboratory animal technicians have a basic knowledge of the needs and behaviors of animals, they play an important role before and after a scientific experiment or procedure. The laboratory animal technician might be involved in the planning stages of an experiment to help determine the care an animal will need before, during and after a procedure. The laboratory animal technician is also involved in the analysis or the study of the research data following an experiment.

If you would like to learn more about a career as a laboratory animal technician, you can write to the following:

Dr. Steven Carleton, Director of the Veterinary Technology Program, Quinnipiac College, P.O. Box 125, Hamden, CT 06518

Information from: http://www.biorap.org/careerlat.html