ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Animal Lab Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Alliance Animal Health

Veterinary Assistant

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Company Description Bondurant Animal Clinic is a well-established, progressive, fast paced multi ... Pet restraint, triage incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging ...

Alliance Animal Health

Veterinary Assistant

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Company Description Bondurant Animal Clinic is a well-established, progressive, fast paced multi ... Pet restraint, triage incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging ...

Alliance Animal Health

Veterinary Assistant

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Company Description Bondurant Animal Clinic is a well-established, progressive, fast paced multi ... Pet restraint, triage incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging ...

All JobsAnimal Lab JobsAnimal Lab Assistant JobsAnimal Lab Assistant Jobs in Ames, IA

Animal Lab Assistant information

See Ames, IA salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do animal lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal lab assistant in Ames, IA is $19.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an animal lab assistant?

Animal Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientific research by caring for laboratory animals and maintaining their living environments. They are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring animal health, and assisting researchers with experiments. Their work ensures that animals are treated ethically and that experiments are conducted in a safe, controlled environment. Animal Lab Assistants may also help with maintaining records and administering medications as directed by veterinarians or researchers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an animal lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Lab Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of animal care, handling procedures, and basic laboratory techniques, often supported by a relevant certification or associate degree in animal science or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, data recording systems, and compliance regulations such as IACUC protocols is typically expected. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work collaboratively are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the well-being of laboratory animals, the accuracy of research data, and adherence to ethical and safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by animal lab assistants, and how can they be managed?

Animal Lab Assistants often face challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to protocols, handling animals with care under potentially stressful conditions, and managing time efficiently between various tasks like feeding, cleaning, and record-keeping. To manage these challenges, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, stay up to date on animal care guidelines, and communicate effectively with research staff and veterinarians. Regular training and working closely within the team can also help ensure both animal welfare and research integrity are maintained.

What is the difference between Animal Lab Assistant vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectAnimal Lab AssistantVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch laboratories, animal care facilitiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, research facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Animal Lab Assistants primarily support research labs and animal care in laboratory settings, often with minimal formal credentials. Veterinary Technicians work in veterinary clinics or hospitals, requiring specialized education and certification. While both roles involve animal care, Veterinary Technicians typically have more advanced training and perform clinical procedures, whereas Animal Lab Assistants focus on supporting research activities.

What are popular job titles related to Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Ames, IA?

For Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Animal Lab Assistant jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Animal Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Animal Lab Assistant job openings:

Animal Lab Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Lab Assistant job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,195 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Veterinary Assistant

Alliance Animal Health

Bondurant, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Alliance Animal Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Company Description
Bondurant Animal Clinic is a well-established, progressive, fast paced multi-doctor general small animal practices located in Bondurant, Iowa with a sister clinic in Newton, IA. We offer many services to provide the best comprehensive care to our patients including Preventative Care, Surgery, Urgent Care, High Speed Dentistry, In-House Diagnostics, Digital full body and dental radiology, Endoscopy and Ultrasonography. We are proud to be able to say that both of our hospitals are AAHA certified.
*The position will primarily be based at our Bondurant location, with the flexibility to work at our Newton location as needed*
To learn more about us click here.
Job Description
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
Pet restraint, triage incoming patients, collection and analysis of lab samples, diagnostic imaging, management and nursing care of medical and hospitalized cases with varying degrees of stability, administration of medications, effective communication of treatment plans with clients, surgical preparation and assistance, and anesthetic management.
Must be able to withstand unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, animal waste and potentially contagious diseases.
Whether you're looking to just be a master of your role or trying to grow into that next career move, you'll have opportunities through a variety of virtual and hands on, interactive training and continuing development.
Qualifications
We're looking for:
  • An experienced Veterinary Assistant with a minimum of 1-year experience preferred.
  • Compassionate, Calm, Team Player, Multi-Tasker and Strong Communicator
  • Must be able to properly restrain pets.
  • Proficient in sample collection, obtaining medical histories, processing laboratory tests and radiographs, and anesthesia monitoring are a bonus!
  • Self-starter with the desire to continue to advance your knowledge and skillset.

Additional Information
We offer our staff:
  • Comprehensive Benefits (health, dental, vision, liability, 401k & 401K matching program, life & supplemental insurance, HSA, & FSA)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
  • Paid Bereavement Program
  • Paid Parental Leave Program
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
  • Career Development Opportunities
  • Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
  • Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
  • Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory background check.

*Note - some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.
For additional details including our full equal opportunity statement, texting/outreach communication authorization, physical requirements of the job and more, please visit https://allianceanimal.com/additionaljobdescriptiondetails/.

What Alliance Animal Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply