Laboratory animal caretakers provide daily care for animals used in research laboratories, colleges and universities, and pet hospitals. They help veterinarians, veterinary technologists and technicians to treat animal illnesses and injuries. These workers have some of the highest job-related injury and illness rates among all occupations. They may also be required by veterinary technologists and technicians to dispose of dead animals.
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers must be compassionate and detail oriented. They are often tasked with administering medication, preparing samples for testing, and cleaning lab equipment. They must also be knowledgeable about animals' eating and sleeping habits.
Laboratory animal caretaker salaries are on the low side at $42,369, which is below average. However, the highest 10 cities in this field have salaries that are greater than the national mean, including Green River WY which has an average salary of $82,566 (21%) above the national norm.
This job can be physically demanding and requires endurance. They must be able and able to stand for extended periods of time, even if they have to lift or transport heavy animals.
They need to be able and able manage stressful situations like witnessing animals being abused or injured. If you enjoy working with animals, this is a rewarding job.
Bachelor's degrees are necessary for laboratory animal caretakers and veterinary assistants to be paid well. Some veterinarians and veterinary technologists and technicians offer on-the-job training for this profession, but certification is not necessary to be an effective laboratory animal caretaker.
Most veterinary technicians and lab caretakers work part or full time. Some work nights, weekends, and holidays.
They may have to deal with aggressive and fearful animals, which can make their jobs physically difficult. They might be scratched, bitten or bruised by these animals and must be careful not to inflict any injuries.
These workers are often stressed and need to be able manage difficult situations. They need to be meticulous, patient, detail-oriented and be able to follow all instructions.
Because they clean the animals' cages and other areas, they are expected to have good senses of smell. Some people find this unpleasant, so they need to be able handle the odors from the cleaning agents.
Federal and state governments regulate laboratories that use animals in scientific or medical research. These regulations require that animals must be treated humanely. They also require that they be kept in secure environments with food, water, or shelter.
The laboratory animal caretaker's duties vary depending on the nature of the research and the needs of the animal. They may take care of laboratory mice, rabbits or guineas pigs. They may also be responsible for removing husbandry waste and providing animal care training to new workers in the lab.
A background in science and knowledge of animal behavior are essential qualifications for lab animal caretaker. These employees are also expected to be able to communicate effectively with supervisors and scientists.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of a sick dog?
You may notice several symptoms in your dog that could indicate that he is sick. You may notice the following symptoms:
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Vomiting
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Diarrhea
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Lethargy
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Fever
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Weight loss
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Appetite decrease
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Coughing
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Difficulty with breathing
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Bleeding from the nose
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Blood in urine or stool
These are only a few examples. Your vet will know what to look out for.
How to feed a pet.
Dogs and cats eat four times a day. Breakfast is made up of dry kibble. Lunch is usually some kind of meat like chicken and beef. Dinner is typically a variety of vegetables such as broccoli and peas.
Cats have different dietary needs. Canadian foods should be a major part of their diet. These include tuna salmon, sardines and chicken.
It is possible for your pet to enjoy fruits and veggies. You shouldn't give them too much. Overeating can cause illness in cats.
You shouldn't allow your pet water right from the faucet. Instead, let him drink out of a bowl.
Make sure your pet gets enough exercise. Exercise can help your pet lose weight. Exercise is good for his health.
After feeding your pet, be sure to clean up any spillages. This will prevent your pet from inhaling harmful bacteria.
Remember to brush your pet's coat regularly. Brushing removes dead skin cells, which can cause infection.
At least two times per week, brush your pet. Use a soft bristle hairbrush. Use a soft bristle brush. It can cause irreparable damage to your pet’s teeth.
When your pet eats, be sure to supervise him. He needs to chew his food properly. If he does not, he might choke on bone fragments.
Garbage cans should be kept away from your pet. This can be harmful to your pet's overall health.
Do not leave your pet unattended in enclosed spaces. This applies to hot tubs, boats, cars, and other enclosed spaces.
What kind should I feed my dog?
It is important to give your dog a healthy diet.
Protein-rich foods include beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and dairy products.
Other foods high-carbohydrate include fruits, vegetables (including bread), cereals, pasta, potatoes, rice, and beans.
Low-fat foods include lean meats and poultry, fish, whole grains, seeds, and nuts.
Always consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog different types of foods.
Statistics
- Here's a sobering reality: when you add up vaccinations, health exams, heartworm medications, litter, collars and leashes, food, and grooming, you can expect a bill of at least $1,000 a year, according to SSPCA. (bustle.com)
- Monthly costs are for a one-year-old female mixed-breed dog and an under one-year-old male domestic shorthair cat, respectively, in excellent health residing in Texas, with a $500 annual deductible, $5,000 annual benefit limit, and 90% reimbursement rate. (usnews.com)
- A 5% affiliation discount may apply to individuals who belong to select military, law enforcement, and service animal training organizations that have a relationship with Nationwide. (usnews.com)
- In fact, according to ASPCA, first-year expenses can sum up to nearly $2,000. (petplay.com)
- Pet insurance helps pay for your pet's medical care, with many policies covering up to 90 percent of your vet bills. (money.com)
External Links
How To
How to teach a cat how to use the litterbox
The litter boxes are great for keeping your pet's waste under control, but they can't be used well by cats. They can be too small for cats, or simply wrong for them. This could lead to them smearing litter on the floor and leaving it there.
To make sure you have the best chance of success when teaching your cat to use the litterbox, here are some things to keep in mind:
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The box should have enough room for your cat to stand straight inside the box without having them crouch.
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You should place it so your cat can go outside.
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If possible, give your cat access to water while he's going through his normal routine of bathroom breaks since keeping him hydrated will also help him feel less stressed about using the box.
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Introduce the box to your cat as soon as possible. Avoid sudden movements and loud noises, especially if you're already familiar with being outside.
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Once he becomes comfortable with it, reward him by giving praise when he uses the box correctly. He might be tempted to receive treats as a reward. However, these should not be given until he has finished his business.
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Do not force your cat to use the box. If he refuses, ignore him and let him go until he changes his mind.
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Be patient! Be patient! It may take several weeks for your cat to start using the box on a regular basis.
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Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat behaves aggressively towards animals or people. This could indicate a more serious condition, such as a bacterial infection of the kidneys.
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Keep your cat clean and tidy, especially around the litter box.