Laboratory animal caretakers...

  • take care of and tend to animals.
  • recognise and take into account animal classification, anatomy, physiology and behaviour.
  • furnish as well as clean, disinfect and maintain animal housing.
  • create specific living environments.
  • transport animals.
  • recognise and prevent the outbreak of disease.
  • help with the medical treatment of animals.
  • liaise with customers.
  • conduct quality assurance measures.

What do laboratory animal caretakers do?

Animals that do not grow up in their natural habitat require human attention and care. Zoo keepers, for instance, must be familiar with the natural living conditions in the wild of “their” elephants, pufferfish or crocodiles. What is the food made of? At what temperatures are the animals comfortable? Which diseases are they subject to? In short: What do laboratory animal caretakers have to do to make sure that the animals feel comfortable? They are also tasked with breeding and rearing animals as well as with supporting the veterinarian during examinations. However, laboratory animal caretakers also work in animal shelters, pet boarding facilities, veterinary hospitals and laboratories. Here, too, they take care of the animals’ welfare. Laboratory animal caretakers make certain that the relevant laws for the protection of animals are being observed. At the same time, laboratory animal caretakers also address the organisational side of things and advise customers and/or visitors to animal shelters, pet boarding facilities and zoos.

Laboratory animal caretakers (research and medical purposes):

- breed, keep and care for hygienically and genetically defined animals, amongst others
- select and implement appropriate work techniques
- implement measures for maintaining hygiene standards
- help out with experiments
- practice good laboratory conduct.

Am I suited to this vocational training programme?

You do not need any prior knowledge in order to start this training programme. However, we expect you to have successfully completed the German “Hauptschulabschluss” or “Fachoberschulreife” school-leaving qualification. The training programme lasts three years.

Applicants should ...

  • have experience with animals
  • be capable of empathy and keen observers
  • be reliable and patient
  • be able to exercise self-control
  • be hands-on
  • be able to inform others and communicate well in written and spoken German.

Where will the vocational training take place?

This is a dual training programme. You will complete your vocational training at the University of Konstanz’s Animal Research Facility (TFA). The TFA boasts modern equipment and a particularly agreeable work atmosphere. In addition to your professional training, your will also undergo schooling at an agricultural vocational school.

What’s particularly great about this programme?

- prior to starting your training, you’ll be able to decide whether you’d rather work in a zoo, animal shelter, pet boarding facility or in laboratories operated by businesses or universities
- you’ll create species-appropriate living conditions that are as comfortable for your animals as possible
- you’ll assume responsibility for other living beings

When and where should I apply?

Openings are typically advertised in the local press and on the University of Konstanz’s Job openings web pages. This happens in the autumn of the year preceding the one in which the programme starts.