How to become an animal technician | Salary, skills, requirements

As an animal technician, you'll look after animals within scientific, clinical and medical research facilities, making sure they receive the highest standard of care throughout their time in the facility and that strict UK welfare regulations are followed at all times.

The role is extremely important in helping to progress scientific research in areas such as developing new treatments and improving methods of diagnosis and prevention. At a higher level, you may become directly involved in experimental work, assisting researchers in the planning and delivery of research projects.

Your working environment may vary according to the species you're caring for and the type of research being carried out. Most of the work takes place indoors in laboratories, which can involve sterile conditions or hot, humid environments, though there is some outdoor work with certain species.

What do animal technicians do?

As an animal technician, you'll need to:

work to maintain and improve the quality of life for laboratory animals
clean cages, pens, trays, equipment and fittings, to keep environments hygienic and animals comfortable
handle and move animals safely
administer medicines
check the environment (for example, temperature and humidity)
monitor the condition of animals and identify and address any behavioural problems
obtain samples and measurements
collect and record data
understand the requirements of the Animal (Scientific Procedure) Act 1986 which governs the use of animals in scientific research.

Depending on your employer and level of experience, you may also:

design studies and set the conditions and protocols that will provide scientists with the information required - drawing on your understanding of the physical, behavioural and environmental requirements of individual species
predict and interpret animal responses to procedures or treatments
help to breed animals for use in research - monitoring pregnancies, caring for newborn animals and tracking weight gain and development
play a key role in selecting animals for studies - as well as carrying out and developing dosing, assessment and sampling techniques.

Some of these tasks will only be carried out once you reach a more senior role such as animal technologist or chief technologist.

Animal technician salary ranges

Trainee animal technicians earn typically earn £14,000 to £17,000, rising to £19,000 to £28,000 as an animal technician.
With around three years’ experience you can progress to the role of animal technologist, and to the position of senior animal technologist after about five years. The salary range for these roles is £23,000 to £30,000.
Facility managers or specialists, with responsibility for a number of areas/facilities, can earn between £30,000 to £55,000.

Income data from the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT). Figures are intended as a guide only.

How many hours does an animal technician work?

As a technician, you'll typically work around 37 hours a week, often including early mornings, evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis, as animal care is needed around the clock. You may receive overtime or enhanced pay for weekend and holiday shifts.

Part-time work is sometimes available, particularly for experienced and qualified technicians.

How do I become an animal technologist?

You don't need a degree or HND to become an animal technician, as many employers focus on your practical skills, reliability and genuine interest in animal care.

However, certain degrees may be useful for the role, including:

animal behaviour/management
biology
pharmacology
physiology
toxicology.

At a higher level, knowledge of areas such as immunology and pathology, microbiology and genetics may be helpful.

Although not essential, you can take a relevant HND in subjects such as:

animal care and welfare
animal management
animal science.

Other relevant qualifications include those offered by the Institute of Animal Technology (IAT). These are available at various levels and include:

Animal Care and Welfare Assistant Level 2 Apprenticeship - suitable for entry-level roles, including animal technician positions.
Animal Technologist Level 3 Apprenticeship - for junior technicians who wish to go on to become a licensed animal technologist.
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry - an entry-level qualification that provides an introduction to working with laboratory animals.
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology - builds on knowledge of animal husbandry and introduces scientific procedures.
IAT Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology - for more experienced animal technologists to support career progression.

The diplomas go up to Level 6 and can help you to progress to more senior roles. You can find out more about these qualifications through IAT Education.

Skills you need to become an animal technologist

You'll need to show:

a strong commitment to animal welfare and ethical practice
attention to detail and the ability to follow strict procedures
good observation skills to monitor animal health and behaviour
effective communication skills for working with researchers and colleagues
teamwork and a responsible, reliable approach to work
basic IT and data recording skills
physical fitness and stamina for handling animals and carrying out routine tasks.

Animal technician work experience

It's vital to convince a potential employer of your genuine interest in, and commitment to, animal care and welfare. Relevant experience of working with animals, either paid or voluntary, is highly valued.

This can include caring for pets or gaining experience in settings such as dog kennels or catteries, zoos or farm parks, on farms or in a veterinary practice.

Demonstrating your interest in working in a laboratory environment is also helpful. This could include gaining voluntary, placement or part-time experience in a laboratory or scientific setting to show you're familiar with basic lab procedures and working in a regulated environment.

You may also want to consider joining the IAT as an Affiliate Member. You'll get access to its journal and discounts on training, events and professional resources. It can also provide networking opportunities and help you stay up to date with developments in the field, which can all help with your career prospects.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Who do animal technicians work for?

You can find work in a range of academic and commercial institutions, including:

pharmaceutical companies
research institutes and public or private sector organisations
specialist animal breeding facilities
teaching hospitals
universities
veterinary and medical colleges.

There are opportunities for employment in research centres in most of these areas across the UK, although there are more roles in areas with strong life sciences clusters, such as London, the South East and parts of the Midlands and North West.

The life sciences industry is growing in Scotland and ranges from university start-ups to multinational companies. Some employers are located in rural or more remote areas, depending on the type of research or breeding facility - see Life Sciences Scotland for further information.

Look for job vacancies at:

IAT Career Opportunities - members gain access to a monthly bulletin
Naturejobs
university and research institute websites.

Vacancies are also handled by specialist recruitment agencies such as S3 Science.

Professional development and career prospects

Your training will involve a combination of practical, on-the-job experience and part-time study for qualifications awarded by the IAT. These range from Level 2 to Level 6 Diplomas in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology, as well as apprenticeships in animal technology. The IAT career pathway framework can help you plan your progression and understand the qualifications and membership levels available.

After gaining experience, you can progress to the role of animal technologist. This typically requires completing the IAT Level 3 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology or an Animal Technologist Level 3 Apprenticeship, which prepare you for increased responsibility. In this role, you may also become licensed under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, allowing you to carry out certain procedures and become more involved in experimental work.

With further experience and qualifications, you can move into senior or specialist roles. These may include supervising staff, managing teams, and maintaining standards, or progressing to facility manager roles with responsibility for operations, budgets and compliance. There are also opportunities to specialise in areas such as breeding or genetically altered animals.

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential, as you'll need to keep up to date with advances in legislation, technology and best practice. The IAT provides seminars, workshops and courses to support CPD, and professional membership can help you stay informed and develop your career.

With sufficient qualifications and experience, you may be eligible for entry to the Register of Animal Technologists. Experienced professionals may also be nominated as a Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer (NACWO) under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, taking on responsibility for overseeing animal welfare within a facility.