Technicians of Animal Care Facility

The duties of the animal care technician fall into two general categories:

Animal Health

On a daily basis, all animals are observed for signs of illness or disease. These observations include general appearance, normal breathing, activity, food and water consumption and elimination, and coat condition; among other criteria. Since a substantial number of animals are being housed in the facility for breeding purposes, they require special care. Knowledge of the breeding, gestation, and postnatal development of each species is required since different care is necessary for breeding animals at each stage of the life cycle. Attention to detailed record keeping is essential to insure accurate research data.

Facility Maintenance

In addition to animal duties, the animal care technician is directly responsible for the maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment and facility. Each animal room is cleaned daily, the temperature is monitored daily and recorded weekly. Animal cages, water bottles and other equipment must be washed and sanitized on a regular basis.