Animal Care Technician Jobs
Animal Care Technician jobs are open across veterinary clinics, research laboratories, animal shelters, and zoos, with roles in laboratory animal care, wildlife rehabilitation, and companion animal husbandry from entry-level technician to senior and supervisory positions. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Animal Care Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 396+ Animal Care Technician jobs
At Charles River, we are passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives. When you join our global family, you will help create healthier lives for millions of patients and their families.
Charles River employees are innovative thinkers, who are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. We will empower you with the resources you need to grow and develop in your career.
As a Charles River employee, you will be part of an industry-leading, customer-focused company at the forefront of drug development. Your skills will play a key role in bringing life-saving therapies to market faster through simpler, quicker, and more digitalized processes. Whether you are in lab operations, finance, IT, sales, or another area, when you work at Charles River, you will be the difference every day for patients across the globe.
Job Overview
The individual in this position will be involved in all aspects of animal care for the in vivo services group. This position is hands-on with responsibilities including, but not limited to animal husbandry, animal handling and restraint, treatment administration, animal health observations, cage changes, room sanitization and accurate documentation of animal health records.
Job Description
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform in vivo husbandry procedures including animal receipt
- Observes, records and reports atypical findings of the environment, facility and animal health
- Administer treatments via various routes
- Collect and process biological samples according to appropriate protocol and SOP requirements
- Provide quality care and health monitoring for all animals
- Identify and report any facility related issues or animal health concerns as necessary
- Interact with veterinary staff to convey and assist with animal health issues
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment
- Adhere to all applicable guidelines for the care and use of animals in research
- Perform facility sanitization, including animal rooms, hallways and other areas of the facility as needed
- Clearly and accurately document procedures including husbandry and sanitization
- Ensure that raw data records are accurate, complete and in appropriate order
- Maintain accurate animal health and census records
- Keep facilities stocked with supplies needed for daily operations
- Assist with review, development and improvement of departments forms and SOPs
- Follow company SOPs, Policies, and Practices
- Assist Veterinary Staff with animal care as requested, such as physical examinations
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) required. Associate’s degree (A.A./A.S.) in animal science or related field preferred.
- Experience: Zero to six months related experience in animal research and/or husbandry or must have fully satisfied technical and experience requirements for the previous level.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
- Certification/Licensure: ALAT preferred. Other: Ability to handle common laboratory species. Effective communication and listening skills in a teamwork environment. Excellent organization skills with minimal supervision enabling effective management of multiple, concurrent tasks and priorities. Proficient in basic technical skills and the operation of data collection equipment. Knowledge of Testing Facility SOPs and other federal regulations and guidelines relating to the care of laboratory animals. Basic understanding of study design and protocols
-
The pay range for this position is $20.00/hour. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.
About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 120 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.
We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
For more information, please visit www.criver.com.
At Charles River, we are passionate about improving the quality of people’s lives. When you join our global family, you will help create healthier lives for millions of patients and their families.
Charles River employees are innovative thinkers, who are dedicated to continuous learning and improvement. We will empower you with the resources you need to grow and develop in your career.
As a Charles River employee, you will be part of an industry-leading, customer-focused company at the forefront of drug development. Your skills will play a key role in bringing life-saving therapies to market faster through simpler, quicker, and more digitalized processes. Whether you are in lab operations, finance, IT, sales, or another area, when you work at Charles River, you will be the difference every day for patients across the globe.
Job Overview
The individual in this position will be involved in all aspects of animal care for the in vivo services group. This position is hands-on with responsibilities including, but not limited to animal husbandry, animal handling and restraint, treatment administration, animal health observations, cage changes, room sanitization and accurate documentation of animal health records.
Job Description
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Perform in vivo husbandry procedures including animal receipt
- Observes, records and reports atypical findings of the environment, facility and animal health
- Administer treatments via various routes
- Collect and process biological samples according to appropriate protocol and SOP requirements
- Provide quality care and health monitoring for all animals
- Identify and report any facility related issues or animal health concerns as necessary
- Interact with veterinary staff to convey and assist with animal health issues
- Maintain a safe and clean work environment
- Adhere to all applicable guidelines for the care and use of animals in research
- Perform facility sanitization, including animal rooms, hallways and other areas of the facility as needed
- Clearly and accurately document procedures including husbandry and sanitization
- Ensure that raw data records are accurate, complete and in appropriate order
- Maintain accurate animal health and census records
- Keep facilities stocked with supplies needed for daily operations
- Assist with review, development and improvement of departments forms and SOPs
- Follow company SOPs, Policies, and Practices
- Assist Veterinary Staff with animal care as requested, such as physical examinations
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Schedule: Sunday - Thursday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: High school diploma or General Education Degree (G.E.D.) required. Associate’s degree (A.A./A.S.) in animal science or related field preferred.
- Experience: Zero to six months related experience in animal research and/or husbandry or must have fully satisfied technical and experience requirements for the previous level.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
- Certification/Licensure: ALAT preferred. Other: Ability to handle common laboratory species. Effective communication and listening skills in a teamwork environment. Excellent organization skills with minimal supervision enabling effective management of multiple, concurrent tasks and priorities. Proficient in basic technical skills and the operation of data collection equipment. Knowledge of Testing Facility SOPs and other federal regulations and guidelines relating to the care of laboratory animals. Basic understanding of study design and protocols
-
The pay range for this position is $20.00/hour. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, certifications, and location.
About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market. Each year approximately 120 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.
About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.
With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.
At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.
We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life. Based on your position these may include: bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
For more information, please visit www.criver.com.
Animal Care Technician Jobs by Experience Level
See All 396+ Animal Care Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Animal Care Technician JobsAnimal Care Technician Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Pet Supplies Plus73
- PetVet Care Centers26
- Charles River Laboratories17
- Village Pet Care16
- Christensen Farms13
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Animal Care & Pet Services
- Government & Public Sector
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in animal care technician jobs.
- Experience with animal restraint and basic husbandry for multiple species
- Knowledge of sanitation protocols and facility biosecurity procedures
- AALAS certification at any level or willingness to obtain it
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods
- Familiarity with veterinary medical records and treatment documentation
- High school diploma or associate degree in animal science or a related field
Tips for Your Animal Care Technician Job Search
Tailor your resume to the setting
A shelter technician resume and a research vivarium resume read very differently. Highlight the specific species you've handled, husbandry protocols you've followed, and any IACUC compliance experience relevant to the type of facility you're targeting.
List certifications prominently near the top
Credentials like AALAS certification at the Assistant, Technician, or Technologist level stand out immediately to hiring managers in research settings. Put them in a dedicated section above work history so screeners don't miss them during a quick scan.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists animal care technician openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Address physical demands in your cover letter
Many postings list lifting requirements, exposure to allergens, and irregular shift work as real conditions. Confirming upfront that you've worked in similar physical environments removes a common screening hesitation and shows you've read the posting carefully.
Prepare species-specific examples for interviews
Interviewers almost always ask about hands-on experience with the animals their facility actually uses. Prepare two or three concrete stories about restraint techniques, behavioral observation, or treatment assistance for the species most common in that setting.
Follow up by referencing your hands-on fit
A post-interview thank-you note lands better when it connects your specific husbandry background to a need the hiring manager mentioned. Reference a protocol or species they discussed rather than sending a generic note.
Animal Care Technician Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most animal care technicians?
Pet Supplies Plus, PetVet Care Centers, and Charles River Laboratories are hiring the most animal care technicians right now, with openings concentrated in Texas, Ohio, and Minnesota, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Research institutions, national shelter networks, and contract laboratory animal services companies tend to post the highest volumes of openings.
How many animal care technician jobs are remote?
About 5% of animal care technician openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which is low compared to most fields because the work is inherently hands-on. The sub-areas most likely to offer any remote flexibility are administrative or coordination roles within larger animal care programs, such as scheduling, compliance documentation, or client communication.
How do you become an animal care technician?
Most entry-level positions require a high school diploma plus direct experience handling animals, which you can build through shelter volunteering, farm work, or a veterinary assistant role. Earning an AALAS certification strengthens your candidacy significantly, especially for research settings. An associate or bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or veterinary technology opens doors to more advanced positions and faster advancement.
Can you get hired as an animal care technician with little experience?
Yes, many shelters and general veterinary practices hire candidates with limited formal experience if they demonstrate genuine hands-on comfort with animals. Volunteering at a local shelter, completing a community college animal care course, or shadowing a working technician builds the practical credibility employers look for. Being honest about your experience level and showing willingness to learn restraint and husbandry protocols on the job goes a long way.
What does the animal care technician interview process look like?
Most facilities start with a phone screen focused on your animal handling background and availability for shift work, including weekends and holidays. An in-person or video interview typically follows, with behavioral questions about how you've handled stressed or aggressive animals and scenarios involving sanitation protocols. Some employers, particularly research labs, include a brief facility tour or a practical skills demonstration before extending an offer.
Where can I find and apply to animal care technician jobs?
You can find and apply to animal care technician jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your experience and preferred setting, whether that's a veterinary clinic, research facility, shelter, or zoo, and apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 396+ Animal Care Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Animal Care Technician Jobs