Animal Care Technician Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Animal care technicians can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the role requires a bachelor's degree in veterinary science, animal science, biology, or related field. Research facilities, pharmaceutical companies, and veterinary hospitals are the most common sponsors. The key qualification hurdle is proving the position requires specialized knowledge beyond basic animal care.
Find Animal Care Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 787+ Animal Care Technician jobs










See all 787+ Animal Care Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Animal Care Technician roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Job Posting Information
Posting Number PG195058SP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Animal Care Technician
Anticipated Hiring Range $34,320 - $38,000 (commensurate with education & experience)
Work Schedule Full Time Day Shift - schedule includes some weekend and holiday work
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department Animal Resources
About the Department
The mission of Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) is to provide NCSU faculty with optimal animal resources at the least practical cost. The term “animal resources” includes not only animal housing facilities but also animal husbandry services, veterinary care, technical services, expertise in laboratory animal technology and medicine, and assurance of compliance with regulatory requirements and institutional policies for animal care and use. LAR is responsible for assisting faculty in conducting animal experimentation in keeping with these standards and is committed to assuring the well-being of experimental animals while providing services that facilitate their humane and reasonable use.
North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) is a dynamic community whose members are dedicated to preparing veterinarians and veterinarian scientists while advancing animal and human health from the cellular level through entire ecosystems.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) Technician is responsible for the daily care, husbandry, and enrichment of animals used in research and teaching.
Core Duties
- Administer routine medications and prepare specific maintenance or experimental diets.
- Maintain safety and sanitation standards across the animal care facility.
- Keep accurate logs of animal census, daily room statuses, and medical treatments.
- Drive and transport animals as needed.
- Serve as mandatory personnel, which includes working weekends and holidays.
Physical Requirements & Licensure
Licensure: Must possess or obtain a valid North Carolina driver’s license within 60 days of the start date and maintain it throughout the duration of employment.
Physical Demands: Must be able lift 50 pounds frequently and 90 pounds occasionally with or without accommodations.
Other Responsibilities
- Maintain accurate animal records
- Perform basic animal husbandry on a wide variety of species
- Administer routine medications
- Maintain sanitation and safety procedures in accordance with regulations
Qualifications
Minimum Experience/Education
Demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in animal husbandry
- Wide variety of species care (especially livestock/poultry/aquatics)
- AALAS certifications
Required License or Certification
- A valid NC driver’s license must be obtained within 60 days of start date and must be maintained throughout employment.
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License Required? No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/10/2026
Earliest Close Date 06/16/2026
Notice to Applicants
Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.
Special Instructions
Please include a resume and contact information for at least three professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00043331
Position Type SHRA
Position Classification Band Title Research Technician
Position Classification Band Level Contributing
Position Classification Salary Range $34,320 - $72,734
Salary Grade Equivalency MH04
Alternate Option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Mandatory - Fire/Explosions, Mandatory - Hazardous Material Incidents, Mandatory - Transportation Accidents, Mandatory - Evacuations/Natural Hazards, Mandatory - Utilities/Infrastructure Failure, Mandatory - Threats of Violence/Terrorism/Interpersonal Emergencies
Time Limited Position No
Time-Limited Appointment Length (if applicable)
Department Id 193001 - Animal Resources
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
See all 787+ Animal Care Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Animal Care Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Animal Care Technician
Target research-focused employers
Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and university research facilities are more likely to sponsor because they need specialized animal care protocols and regulatory compliance expertise that qualifies as specialty occupation work.
Emphasize your scientific background
Highlight coursework in animal physiology, laboratory procedures, research methodology, and regulatory compliance. These technical skills differentiate you from general animal caretakers and strengthen the specialty occupation argument.
Focus on laboratory animal care
Positions involving laboratory animals for research purposes have stronger sponsorship prospects than general veterinary assistant roles because they require knowledge of research protocols, IACUC compliance, and specialized handling techniques.
Document your degree relevance
Your bachelor's degree must directly relate to the role. Animal science, biology, veterinary technology, or zoology degrees work best. Unrelated degrees may require additional certifications or significant relevant experience.
Consider veterinary school pathways
Some employers sponsor animal care technicians who are completing or planning veterinary school. This demonstrates career progression and justifies the specialized nature of the role to USCIS adjudicators.
Look for compliance-heavy environments
Facilities subject to USDA, FDA, or NIH oversight need technicians who understand regulatory requirements. These compliance responsibilities help justify the specialty occupation classification for visa purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do animal care technicians qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but only when the role requires a bachelor's degree in a specialized field like veterinary science, animal science, or biology. The position must involve technical duties beyond basic animal care, such as research protocols, laboratory procedures, or regulatory compliance. General animal caretaker roles typically don't qualify.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as an animal care technician?
You need a bachelor's degree in animal science, veterinary science, biology, zoology, or a closely related field. The degree must directly relate to the job duties. Some employers may accept veterinary technology degrees or biology degrees with relevant laboratory experience and additional certifications.
How to find Animal Care Technician jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Animal Care Technician jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with employers offering visa support. Focus your search on veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities, zoos, and pharmaceutical companies that commonly sponsor H-1B visa, TN visa, or other work visas for qualified animal care professionals with relevant experience and certifications.
Which employers sponsor animal care technicians for work visas?
Research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and university laboratories are the primary sponsors. These employers need technicians with specialized knowledge of research protocols, animal husbandry science, and regulatory compliance. Veterinary clinics and pet care facilities rarely sponsor unless they conduct research.
What makes an animal care technician role qualify as a specialty occupation?
The role must require specialized knowledge in areas like research methodology, laboratory animal medicine, regulatory compliance, or advanced animal husbandry techniques. Duties should include protocol development, data collection, equipment operation, or ensuring compliance with IACUC, USDA, or FDA regulations rather than just feeding and cleaning.
Can I get sponsored without veterinary school experience?
Yes, a relevant bachelor's degree with laboratory or research experience can be sufficient. However, employers often prefer candidates with some veterinary coursework, research experience, or certifications like AALAS. Demonstrating knowledge of laboratory animal care standards and regulatory requirements strengthens your sponsorship case significantly.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Animal Care Technician jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.