Care

There are teams of professionals working daily to ensure that animals in research receive the highest level of care possible. This team is made up of a variety of caring individuals – veterinarians, vet techs, animal care techs, lab techs, facility managers and more.

Watch their videos and learn more about these compassionate professionals caring for animals who help us improve the lives of humans and animals.

Why Do People Choose a Career in Laboratory Animal Science?

Most veterinarians, vet techs and other professionals working in the field of laboratory animal science have chosen this profession because of their love for animals.

They are intimately involved in ensuring the care and well-being of laboratory animals. They know that animal research improves the health of animals and people. In fact, many of the advances in veterinary medicine are the direct result of research with animals. The parvovirus vaccine, routinely administered by veterinarians, has saved thousands of dogs. Pacemakers for humans and animals were developed through research with dogs. Research in reproductive physiology with animals has saved several animal species from extinction. Distemper vaccines, evaluated in Siberian polecats, have begun to rescue the waning black-footed ferret population.

The scientific community knows that quality laboratory animal care is the foundation for reliable scientific results. Working with research animals is a privilege, not a “right,” and they deserve our respect and compassion.

Click Here to hear from professionals – in their own words.

Animal activist groups portray those working in the field of Laboratory Animal Science as “monsters” who work with no supervision or control. In reality, local, state and federal authorities, in addition to granting agencies, regulate every aspect of animal research in living vertebrates in the United States.

Laboratory Animal Science professionals value and respect their animals and often go above and beyond the care mandated by the regulatory requirements.

 

Institutions Working With Animals are Strictly Controlled

Laboratory facilities containing animals must meet strict federal, state and local requirements. Federal regulators routinely inspect laboratories to ensure that animals are adequately housed and cared for. Additionally, many laboratories submit to additional voluntary inspection for accreditation through the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, International (AAALAC).

Further, each institution must establish an animal care and use committee that includes an outside member of the public and a veterinarian. This committee oversees, inspects and monitors every potential study to ensure optimal animal care. The scientific community advocates the highest quality of animal care and treatment for two key reasons. First, working with animals in research is a privilege, and those animals helping us unlock the mysteries of disease deserve our respect and compassion. Second, only healthy animals are reliable models for the study of disease.

Click here to read more about the Animal Welfare Act and its strict guidelines concerning research facilities working with animals.

 

Tour an Animal Research Facility

Video courtesy of Americans for Medical Progress

Do you love animals and people? Would you enjoy working with animals every day? Do you want to help create hope, miracles and cures for people and animals?

If you answered “yes” to these questions, a career in Laboratory Animal Science may be just the right match for you.

Is a Career in Laboratory Animal Science for You?
Laboratory animal science is a field of science devoted to the production, care and study of laboratory animals used in biomedical research and education. It is a large field comprised of professionals from many scientific and educational disciplines. Professionals within this field have a deep sense of purpose and are dedicated to helping society and improving the lives of people and animals alike.

Click here to learn more about the fascinating career opportunities in this field and/or to search current job listings available.