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Animal Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Perform compendial animal testing of final container products, such as the Rabbit Pyrogen test, and the General Safety test, by following established procedures. * Perform endotoxin (LAL) testing on ...

New

VCA All Pets Animal Hospital of Salinas is looking for an experienced Animal Care Attendant to join ... Assisting Doctors and Technicians with medical procedures, diagnostics testing, and surgical prep.

Animal Care Assistant

Salinas, CA · On-site

$18 - $21/hr

VCA All Pets Animal Hospital of Salinas is looking for an experienced Animal Care Attendant to join ... Assisting Doctors and Technicians with medical procedures, diagnostics testing, and surgical prep.

Animal Care Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$45K - $63K/yr

The Animal Care Technician processes intakes and outtakes; feeds and cares for impounded animals ... testing; administer IV fluids; and may assist with obtaining digital X-Rays. Perform adoption ...

Animal Health Tech I

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$44K - $60K/yr

Animal Health Tech I The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of ... Assists with QA testing and tracking (e.g.: luminometer/ ATP, airflow, etc.). * Performs husbandry ...

Animal Health Tech I

La Jolla, CA · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

The Animal Health Tech I position is responsible for routine processing of clean and soiled cages ... Assists with QA testing and tracking (e.g.: luminometer/ ATP, airflow, etc.). * Performs husbandry ...

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Animal Technician III RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Mid-senior level position responsible for the ... Assists with the health monitoring program, including testing for parasites, performing physical ...

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Animal Technician IV POSITION SUMMARY: Assists the Animal Resources, Supervisor with the daily ... Assists with the health monitoring program including testing for parasites. * Receives feed ...

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN III

San Diego, CA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Animal Technician III RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Mid-senior level position responsible for the ... Assists with the health monitoring program, including testing for parasites, performing physical ...

Animal Technician III RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: * Mid-senior level position responsible for the ... Assists with the health monitoring program, including testing for parasites, performing physical ...

ANIMAL TECHNICIAN IV

San Diego, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Animal Technician IV POSITION SUMMARY: Assists the Animal Resources, Supervisor with the daily ... Assists with the health monitoring program including testing for parasites. * Receives feed ...

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Animal Testing information

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How much do animal testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal testing in California is $20.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is animal testing?

Animal testing, also known as animal experimentation, refers to the use of animals in scientific research to develop and test the safety and effectiveness of products, such as medicines, cosmetics, and chemicals. Researchers study how animals respond to these products to predict how humans might react. This practice helps ensure that products are safe before they are used by people, but it is also a subject of ethical debate. Regulations exist to minimize animal suffering and to encourage alternative testing methods whenever possible.

What are some of the common ethical considerations and challenges faced by professionals working in animal testing roles?

Professionals in animal testing roles frequently encounter ethical dilemmas related to animal welfare, balancing scientific objectives with humane treatment. Adhering to strict regulations and protocols, such as the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement), is essential to ensure that animal use is justified and minimized. Team members must stay updated on evolving guidelines and work closely with veterinarians, researchers, and ethics committees to address any concerns. Open communication and transparency within the team are crucial for fostering a responsible work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Laboratory Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Laboratory Technician, you need a strong background in animal science, biology, or a related field, often supported by a degree or certification such as ALAT (Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician). Familiarity with laboratory equipment, animal care protocols, and compliance systems like GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) is essential. Attention to detail, ethical sensitivity, and strong communication skills help ensure animal welfare and accurate data collection. These skills are critical for maintaining scientific integrity and ensuring humane, ethical treatment of animals in research settings.

What is the difference between Animal Testing vs Animal Care Technician?

AspectAnimal TestingAnimal Care Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; specialized training; certifications in lab safetyHigh school diploma; animal handling training; certifications in animal care
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research facilitiesAnimal shelters, veterinary clinics, zoos
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companiesAnimal shelters, veterinary practices, zoos
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in animal researchCare and handling of animals in various settings

Animal Testing involves conducting experiments on animals to study disease, safety, or efficacy of products, often in laboratory settings. Animal Care Technicians focus on caring for animals, ensuring their health and well-being in shelters, clinics, or zoos. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Testing is research-oriented, whereas Animal Care Technicians emphasize animal welfare and daily care.

Infographic showing various Animal Testing job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,209 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Specialist

Los Angeles, CA


Grifols
Pharmaceutical Product Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 280 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


$2/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well-being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma-derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

Job Summary:

The Animal Specialist is responsible for performing routine and non-routine animal testing on in-process and final container samples.  Additionally, the individual is responsible for the daily care and upkeep of the animals in the QC laboratory facility.

Essential Job Duties:

  • Perform compendial animal testing of final container products, such as the Rabbit Pyrogen test, and the General Safety test, by following established procedures.
  • Perform endotoxin (LAL) testing on water samples, in-process product samples, and raw materials (RM).
  • Perform preparation of reagents, materials, and equipment used in biological or animal testing.
  • Monitor health of animals on a daily basis.
  • Maintain accurate and complete test records.
  • Compile and enter data into computer database (i.e. LIMS - Laboratory Information Management Systems) to be used for reporting and trending purposes.
  • Review test results against specifications.
  • Will share general responsibilities for laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration, housekeeping, and other lab support functions (e.g., inventory of consumables and reagents).
  • Maintain sample logs on a daily basis to ensure timely testing and tracking of all samples.
  • Maintain Instrument Usage and Calibration Logs based on instrument usage during the preparation and testing of samples.
  • Strict adherence to procedures and practices according to FDA regulations.
  • Strong emphasis on documentation according to FDA regulations.
  • Adhere to departmental corporate safety policies.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Biology, or closely related scientific discipline is required.
  • Experience in a pharmaceutical, GMP, or FDA regulated testing laboratory working with animals is preferred.
  • Requires a basic understanding of the fundamentals of microbiology, aseptic techniques, and animal husbandry.
  • Must be able to work with laboratory animals.
  • Must be able to use hypodermic needles and perform injections accurately.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to make structured decisions on a routine basis.
  • Must be proactive, results oriented, and have strong attention to detail.
  • Self-starter with strong work ethic and the ability to exercise good judgment.
  • Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet targeted deadlines.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with personnel at all levels in a team environment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
  • Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Must be flexible with working hours / shifts in order to accommodate the 24 hour, 7 day plant operation.
  • Specific experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) is preferred.
  • Equivalency: Depending on the area of assignment, directly related experience or a combination of directly related education and experience and /or competencies may be consdered in place of the sated requirements. Example, If a job level typically requires an Associate's Degree plus 2 years of experience, an equivalent coudl include 4 yeards of experience or a Bachelor's degree.

Occupational Demands: Work is performed primarily in a laboratory/clinical environment. Exposure to animals, biological fluids with potential exposure to infectious organisms. Exposed to occasional extreme cold below 32* in plasma freezer. Exposure to electrical office and laboratory equipment. Personal protective equipment required such as protective eyewear, garments and gloves. Frequently stands while performing duties, 4-6 hours per day. Frequent hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Ability to make precise coordinated movements, of the fingers to grasp and manipulate objects. Occasionally reaches above and below shoulder height. Occasionally walks. Occasionally bends and twists neck and waist. Frequent foot movements. Hearing acuity essential. Color perception/discrimination, near vision and far vision correctable in one eye to 20/30 and to 20/100 in the other eye. Moderate to heavy lifting with a maximum lift of 50lbs. Able to communicate complex information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken and written words and sentences. 

The estimated pay scale for Animal Specialist role based in California, is $28.43-$30.00 per year | per hour. Additionally, the position is eligible to participate in up to 5% of the company bonus pool. We offer a wide variety of benefits including, but not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, life insurance, PTO, paid holidays and up to 5% 401(K) match and tuition reimbursement. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on education, experience, skillset, knowledge, where the role is performed, internal equity and market data. We are committed to offering our employees opportunities for professional growth and career progression. Grifols is a global healthcare organization with employees in 30 countries focused on patient health and providing impactful results. Since our humble beginnings in 1909, Grifols has been a family company that prides itself on its family-like culture. Our company has more than tripled over the last 10 years, and you can grow with us!

Third Party Agency and Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that present a candidate to Grifols must have an active, nonexpired, Grifols Agency Master Services Agreement with the Grifols Talent Acquisition Department. Additionally, agencies may only submit candidates to positions that they have been engaged to work on by a Grifols Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to a Grifols Recruiter under these terms or they will be considered a Grifols candidate.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.  We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws, including but not limited to, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

California Personnel Privacy Policy and Notice at Collection

Location: NORTH AMERICA : USA : CA-Los Angeles:US403 - LA CA-QC Building

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