Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Animal Lab Technician- from: Youtube Search
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Working Life
Animal technicians are responsible for the care and welfare of animals in laboratory research. Scientific research uses three million animals each year. Many scientists see the research as essential to human health and quality of life, although alternative methods and technologies are reducing the number of animals involved. Researchers have developed drugs and medicines, and improved knowledge of diseases and surgical techniques. Animal technicians must keep meticulous records detailing all procedures and developments surrounding the animals.
Research usually involves rats and mice. However, technicians may look after a wide range of animals, including rabbits, guinea pigs, dogs, cats, monkeys, farm animals, fish and insects. This means that technicians must learn to adapt to the animals' different health and nutritional needs, and patterns of behaviour.
Animal technicians carry out routine aspects of animal care. They feed and water the animals, and clean cages, rooms and equipment. They make sure animals are comfortable and that they are not suffering unnecessarily.
Technicians use nutritional knowledge to prepare special diets. They are in daily contact with animals, and are able to detect early signs of disease, illness, and changes in behaviour.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Hold or restrain animals during veterinary procedures.
- Monitor animals recovering from surgery and notify veterinarians of any unusual changes or symptoms.
- Fill medication prescriptions.
- Clean and maintain kennels, animal holding areas, examination or operating rooms, or animal loading or unloading facilities to control the spread of disease.
- Examine animals to detect behavioral changes or clinical symptoms that could indicate illness or injury.
- Perform routine laboratory tests or diagnostic tests, such as taking or developing x-rays.
- Assist veterinarians in examining animals to determine the nature of illnesses or injuries.
- Administer medication, immunisations, or blood plasma to animals as prescribed by veterinarians.
- Collect laboratory specimens, such as blood, urine, or feces, for testing.
- Perform office reception duties, such as scheduling appointments or helping customers.
Qualities - Animal Lab Technician
You must have a thorough and methodical approach to monitoring animals. Good attention to detail is important, for example, when measuring feed, or the height and weight of newborn animals. You must have good observation skills to identify subtle differences in an animal's behaviour. You will need good communication skills, to express your findings and concerns clearly, either to other technicians or to research scientists.
Physical fitness is important because the work involves standing, lifting and carrying. This type of work may be unsuitable if you have skin allergies.
Interests - Animal Lab Technician
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Naturalist
Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.
Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Investigative
The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.
Entry / Progression - Animal Lab Technician
There are many pathways to a career as an Animal Lab Technician.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: animal care, dental assistant.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: animal care, animal science, veterinary, applied science, dentistry lab techniques.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Lab Tech, Lab Analyst.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: Animal science, agri-science, veterinary, animal bioscience, equine science.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: animal biotech, experimental regulations, agricultural biotech, clinical lab science.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Pay & Salary - Animal Lab Technician
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €45k
Salaries vary depending on employer, location, experience, and duties.
Data Source(s):
Sigmar / Morgan McKInley / Brightwater / Payscale
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Animal Lab Technician
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).
Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.
Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.
While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.
Useful Contacts - Animal Lab Technician
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Veterinary Ireland
- 13 The Courtyard, Kilcarbery Park, Nangor Road, Dublin 12
- 01 457 7976
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Teagasc - Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority
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Institute of Animal Technology
- 5 South Parade, Summertown, Oxford OX2 7JL, UK
- +44 (0)800 085 4380
- [email protected]
- Click Here
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Veterinary Council of Ireland
