Laboratory Animal Service Department Duties

The animal services department of a laboratory works to ensure the animals are being cared for so they are able to be tested on without outside factors that affect the outcome of a study. There are specific duties that each worker is expected to do within the department.

• While the animals are preparing for a particular study, or if they are simply waiting to be tested, the animals must be fed and taken care of. This includes keeping each animal clean so that the bacterium does not interfere with study results. Additionally, the cages and habitats in which they are kept must be cleaned on a regular basis.


• Other duties of works in this department include the assurance that the animals are not tortured or harmed during the testing phases. Although animals are tested on for a variety of reasons, these workers make sure that unnecessary harm is not done to the animal. Even though there are times when an animal will not be comfortable, and may be in pain, these workers attempt to ensure that the work that is done provides the animal with the least amount of discomfort as possible.


• These department workers must also be knowledgeable of the animals and species they are working with. When laboratory technicians are conducting tests, these workers must inform them of the proper way to handle a specific animal. They will also answer questions in regards to the animal's normal behavior pattern when asked. This department provides all who are involved with information that is necessary before conducting an experiment.