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Animal Health Inspector Jobs in Lexington, KY (NOW HIRING)

In addition, Conduent provides a variety of benefits to employees including health insurance ... animal, military/veteran status, citizenship status, basis of genetic information, or any other ...

In addition, Conduent provides a variety of benefits to employees including health insurance ... animal, military/veteran status, citizenship status, basis of genetic information, or any other ...

Animal Health Inspector information

See Lexington, KY salary details

$21.5K

$48.3K

$87K

How much do animal health inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for animal health inspector in Lexington, KY is $48,281.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $55,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal health inspector?

An Animal Health Inspector ensures the health and welfare of animals by enforcing regulations, conducting inspections, and investigating disease outbreaks. They work with farms, pet stores, animal shelters, and other facilities to ensure compliance with animal health standards. Inspectors may also educate the public and animal owners on proper care and disease prevention. Their role helps prevent the spread of animal diseases and protects public health.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal health inspector?

To thrive as an Animal Health Inspector, you need knowledge of animal health regulations, disease identification, and inspection procedures, often backed by a degree in animal science, veterinary technology, or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, laboratory reporting systems, and relevant certification (such as USDA accreditation) is frequently required. Attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and effective communication help inspectors work well with both animal owners and regulatory agencies. These skills are essential to ensure animal welfare, public health, and compliance with government standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal health inspectors on the job?

Animal Health Inspectors often encounter challenges such as managing biosecurity risks when moving between various facilities, documenting complex health or regulatory issues, and handling sensitive situations with animal owners or facility managers. The role can also involve responding to emerging disease outbreaks, which requires quick thinking and adaptability. Inspectors must balance upholding regulations with educating stakeholders, all while working both independently and as part of multidisciplinary teams. These challenges make the role dynamic but also deeply rewarding for those passionate about animal welfare and public health.

How hard is it to become an animal health inspector?

Becoming an animal health inspector typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Candidates often need to complete on-the-job training and may need to obtain relevant certifications or licenses, depending on the region. The role involves understanding animal health regulations, inspection procedures, and sometimes working irregular hours or in challenging environments.

How to become an animal health inspector?

To become an animal health inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by postsecondary education such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field. Relevant experience with animals, knowledge of veterinary practices, and certification or licensing requirements vary by region but may include passing exams and completing training programs. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are also important for inspecting and ensuring animal health and safety.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Health Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY?

For Animal Health Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Health Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Health Inspector jobs in Lexington, KY are:

Infographic showing various Animal Health Inspector job openings in Lexington, KY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,281 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$95K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

314th of 622 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Posting Details
Posting Details
Job Title
DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior
Requisition Number
RE55404
Working Title
Department Name
40832:Laboratory Animal Resources
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Grade Level
51
Salary Range
$95,826-162,947/year
Type of Position
Staff
Position Time Status
Full-Time
Required Education
DVM
Click here for more information about equivalencies:
https://hr.uky.edu/employment/working-uk/equivalencies
Required Related Experience
3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification
Veterinary License KY or obtained within 6 months of hire
Physical Requirements
The physical requirements of this position requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling of objects over 50 pounds; animal handling (including carcasses); risk of injuries from use of equipment on the job; exposure to temperature extremes, cuts/punctures, and bloodborne/airborne pathogens. Occasional standing or walking with objects 10-25lbs; intermittently sitting at a computer workstation for extended periods of time with intermittent repetitive motions (such as typing); occasional exposure to loud noises; and occasional job related travel (<10% of the time).
Shift
Primarily Days (Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm), Please be aware that as an exempt position, job duties will occasionally require additional time in the evenings, nights, holidays and/or weekends to accomplish work goals in excess of 40 hours per week. Required to participate in rotational on call including nights, weekends and holidays. May be required to report when the University is closed to provide treatment & support to our research animals.
Job Summary
Support Research Excellence Through Veterinary Leadership and Animal Care Expertise
The University of Kentucky is seeking a DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior to provide advanced veterinary care, regulatory oversight, and program leadership within the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR).
This role is critical to supporting the university's research mission by ensuring exceptional animal care, promoting animal welfare, and maintaining compliance with institutional, state, federal, and accreditation standards. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with investigators, veterinary staff, and regulatory partners while helping guide the development of programs that support high-quality biomedical research.
What You'll Do
  • Provide clinical oversight and veterinary care for research animals across DLAR facilities
  • Conduct facility rounds and monitor animal health, welfare, and housing conditions
  • Mentor veterinarians and veterinary technicians while supporting clinical operations
  • Review research protocols and provide consultation on animal models, surgery, anesthesia, analgesia, and humane endpoints
  • Participate in IACUC, biosafety, accreditation, and inspection activities
  • Collaborate with researchers to support protocol development and research operations
  • Develop and maintain SOPs, training materials, and regulatory documentation
  • Contribute to specialized programs including surgical services, breeding programs, quarantine activities, and species-specific veterinary support

What You'll Bring
  • Expertise in laboratory animal medicine and clinical veterinary care
  • Strong knowledge of animal welfare regulations and accreditation standards
  • Experience supporting research programs and collaborating with investigators
  • Leadership, mentoring, and program management skills
  • Strong communication and problem-solving abilities
  • Commitment to regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and high-quality animal care

Minimum Requirements
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • 3+ years of related experience
  • Kentucky Veterinary License or ability to obtain within six months of hire

What's In It for You
  • Meaningful impact: Support research that advances human and animal health
  • Leadership opportunity: Influence animal welfare, veterinary services, and program development
  • Professional growth: Engage with cutting-edge biomedical research and laboratory animal medicine
  • Collaborative environment: Work alongside researchers, veterinarians, technicians, and university leaders
  • Hybrid flexibility: Opportunity for hybrid work arrangements with approval
  • UK's Exceptional Benefits

Why Now?
The complexity of biomedical research continues to grow, increasing the need for experienced veterinary professionals who can balance scientific advancement with the highest standards of animal care and regulatory compliance. This position offers the opportunity to play a central role in supporting a nationally recognized research enterprise while helping shape programs that impact researchers across the university.
You'll join a team dedicated to responsible research, animal welfare, and scientific excellence, where your expertise will directly contribute to both research success and the continued strength of the university's animal care and use program.
Multiple Positions Available.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Data Bases, Outlook, Cayuse
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
Yes
Preferred Education/Experience
ACLAM Diplomate certification. Experience with laboratory animal species preferred.
Deadline to Apply
09/27/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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About University of Kentucky

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Kentucky (UK), the state's flagship university, was founded in 1865 and its beautiful, sprawling campus, nestled in downtown Lexington, now covers over 900 acres and is home to more than 30,000 students and approximately 13,500 employees. The trees and beautifully manicured greenspaces are a source of pride for the university and combine to create an impressive oasis amidst the busy cityscape that surrounds it.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lexington, KY, US

Year founded

1865