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Lab Animal Care Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

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Lab Animal Care information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$14

$25

$37

How much do lab animal care jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab animal care in Santa Rosa, CA is $25.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab animal care job?

Lab animal care jobs involve the daily care and maintenance of animals used in scientific research. Professionals in this field are responsible for feeding, cleaning, monitoring health, and ensuring the well-being of laboratory animals. They may also assist researchers by handling animals during experiments and keeping detailed records of observations and procedures. Attention to detail, compassion for animals, and knowledge of animal welfare regulations are important aspects of this job.

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

AspectLab Animal CareVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certification in animal careAssociate's degree in veterinary technology; licensure or certification often required
Work EnvironmentResearch facilities, laboratories, animal housing areasVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, clinics
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, pharmaceutical companies, universitiesVeterinary practices, animal hospitals, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in animal research and careProviding medical care to animals in clinical settings

Lab Animal Care professionals focus on maintaining the health and well-being of animals used in research within laboratory settings, often requiring basic animal care certifications. Veterinary Technicians provide medical treatment and assist veterinarians in clinical environments, requiring specialized veterinary training and licensure. While both roles involve animal care, their work environments, credentials, and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab animal care technician, and why are they important?

To excel as a Lab Animal Care Technician, you typically need knowledge of animal husbandry, basic biology, and animal welfare, often supported by a high school diploma or associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, cage-washing systems, and compliance standards such as IACUC protocols or AALAS certification is valuable. Attention to detail, strong observational skills, and reliability are important soft skills for monitoring animal health and maintaining accurate records. These competencies ensure the well-being of research animals and uphold ethical standards critical for successful scientific studies.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in lab animal care?

Professionals in Lab Animal Care are responsible for feeding and watering animals, cleaning and sanitizing cages, monitoring animal health, and maintaining detailed records. They may also assist researchers during procedures, handle animal transportation within the facility, and help ensure compliance with animal welfare regulations. The role often involves early morning shifts and requires strong attention to detail, as animal well-being and accurate documentation are essential priorities.

What are popular job titles related to Lab Animal Care jobs in Santa Rosa, CA?

For Lab Animal Care jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Animal Care jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Animal Care jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:

What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Lab Animal Care jobs?

Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Lab Animal Care job openings:

Lab Animal Care jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Animal Care job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,359 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Emergency Veterinarian

VCA Animal Hospitals

Rohnert Park, CA • On-site

$66K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

VCA Animal Hospitals rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 657 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 52 rated veterinary

Job description

Join us as an Emergency Veterinarian at VCA Animal Care Center of Sonoma County, and you'll quickly discover that you're well supported by world-class medicine, technology, facilities and a talented team. You'll be empowered to do your best work with a team you can count on. At VCA, the future of veterinary medicine is in our hands.
Why join the team
  • 7 experienced ER doctors supported by ~30 emergency team members, including 10 RVTs
  • Hands-free radiology and advanced digital imaging systems
  • Comprehensive in-house lab, modern surgical suites, and critical care monitoring
  • Fear-Free Certified team creating a low-stress environment for patients and families
  • Designed for efficiency, with dedicated emergency treatment areas
  • Strong focus on continuing education and professional development

Schedule
  • Flexible scheduling available for both part-time and full-time veterinarians
  • Overnight shifts are required, with the expectation that up to 50% of scheduled shifts will be overnight
  • Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Cases
  • Cats & Dogs

Who we look for
  • Passionate about emergency medicine and critical care
  • Dedicated experts who want to provide world-class medicine
  • Collaborators who enjoy teaching others and working as a team
  • Curious lifelong learners who want to grow and thrive for a dynamic and fulfilling career
  • Empathetic partners who develop strong client and Associate relationships built on trust

Total Rewards
As a member of the VCA family, eligible full-time employees will be rewarded with a comprehensive package, including:
Compensation
  • The annual salary range for this position is $66,560 - $240K.
  • Salary is negotiable based on experience, skills, knowledge, abilities and other relevant credentials. Salary range listed is based on a 40 hour work week.
  • This position may also be eligible for other variable pay programs.

Health & Well-being
  • Innovative Associate health and well-being department (Headspace app subscriptions, Fidelity financial wellness tool, and access to additional mental health resources)
  • 401k retirement savings plan with company match
  • Health/dental/vision insurance, infertility benefits, gender affirmation services
  • Paid parental, vacation and sick leave

Professional Development
  • Continuing Education Allowance and paid Continuing Education Days
  • WOOF University - offering abundant CE for Doctors and the care team
  • Opportunities to participate in a robust Clinical Studies program

Discover Additional Benefits Benefits | VCA (vcacareers.com)
Qualifications
  • A Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, from an accredited university or equivalent
  • Licensure in good standing to practice in CA, or the ability to obtain
  • A commitment to practicing the highest standard of medicine and upholding the veterinary code of ethics

About VCA
VCA is a leader in veterinary care and is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. With a network of 1,000 animal hospitals, we impact pets, people and our communities by delivering world-class medicine with hometown care to over 4.5 million pets annually.
Trusted and empowered, our 35,000 Associates collaborate and unleash their unique power to achieve the best outcomes. With access to endless resources, we continuously learn and share knowledge to build fulfilling careers, push our profession forward and make a lasting impact on our shared future.
VCA is part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, working towards A Better World for Pets™. Learn more at www.vca.com or find us on social media.
Learn more about the hospital [Link to hospital website]
If you are a current associate, you need to apply through our internal career site. Please log into Workday and click on the Jobs Hub app or search for Browse Jobs.
Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!
The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

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