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Animal Testing Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Animal Care Technician

Sacramento, CA ยท 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 ยท 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 ยท 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 Health Tech I

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/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 ยท 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 ยท 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 IV

San Diego, CA ยท 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 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

San Diego, CA ยท 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

$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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Showing results 1-20

Animal Testing information

See California salary details

$9

$20

$27

How much do animal testing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 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 Care Technician

Helen Woodward Animal Center

Rancho Santa Fe, CA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Animal Care TechnicianAdoptions DepartmentPart Time (24 hours per week)Pay: $20.00 hourlyAs an Animal Care Technician on our Adoptions team at the world-renowned Helen Woodward Animal Center, you will provide loving care to all adoptable animals including feeding, grooming, cleaning and exercise. Utilizing your knowledge of dog and cat characteristics of all breeds, you will enjoy educating potential owners on animal handling and behavior as well as introduce adoptable animals detailing specific animal history and information. You can make a difference by counseling potential clients who are looking to adopt an abandoned or rescued animal into a forever home.The Animal Care Technician will ensure quality customer service and maintain the highest level of animal welfare. Along with cleaning animal housing, bedding, food/water dishes and managing daily records for assigned animals, you will have the opportunity to perform basic medical procedures (administer medication, obtain fecal samples) in a state of the art facility. While driving company vehicles with other staff on board, you will have the amazing opportunity to travel out of the city, state or out of the country on single day or multiple day trips to transport rescued pets back to the Center. You will gain valuable skills such as performing temperament testing during onsite and offsite transports on all potential animals coming in while assisting medical personnel. Also participate in Center activities and events as required. (Surf Dog competition, Home for the Holidays, etc.) RequirementsAt least 21 years of ageAnimal Handling Experience (Dog & Cat HIGHLY preferred)Able to lift 50 lbsMust be able to properly handle and control large or difficult dogs/catsMust be able to work closely with animal dander or furCustomer service skillsMust posses valid Driver's License and have clean driving recordHelen Woodward Animal Center is a smoke-free environment. Smoking is not permitted in any HWAC building or vehicle.
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