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Lab Animal Veterinarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Kentucky

$140 - $180/hr

Job Summary Advance Research Excellence Through Animal Care Leadership The University of Kentucky is seeking a DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Associate Director to provide veterinary leadership and ...

Ladgov Corporation

Veterinarian

Augusta, GA · On-site

Veterinarian Location: Department of Clinical Investigations (DCI), Dwight D. Eisenhower Army ... Facilitate in-person lab animal care and training for medical and dental residents using animal ...

Ladgov Corporation

Veterinarian

Augusta, GA · On-site

Veterinarian Location: Department of Clinical Investigations (DCI), Dwight D. Eisenhower Army ... Facilitate in-person lab animal care and training for medical and dental residents using animal ...

LADGOV CORPORATION

Veterinarian

Augusta, GA · On-site

Veterinarian Location: Department of Clinical Investigations (DCI), Dwight D. Eisenhower Army ... Facilitate in-person lab animal care and training for medical and dental residents using animal ...

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital

$90 - $130/hr

Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center is looking for a Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian to join ... Interpret diagnostics (lab work, digital radiography, ultrasound) * Communicate clearly with ...

New Frontier Animal Medical Center

$90 - $130/hr

Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center is looking for a Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian to join ... Interpret diagnostics (lab work, digital radiography, ultrasound) * Communicate clearly with ...

Valley Veterinary Hospital

$120 - $180/hr

Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center is looking for a Full-Time Small Animal Veterinarian to join ... Interpret diagnostics (lab work, digital radiography, ultrasound) * Communicate clearly with ...

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Lab Animal Veterinarian information

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$26.5K

$103.7K

$161.5K

How much do lab animal veterinarian jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for lab animal veterinarian in the United States is $103,653.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab animal veterinarian?

Lab animal veterinarians are specialized veterinarians who care for animals used in research and teaching environments. They ensure the health and welfare of laboratory animals, oversee their housing and care, and help design research protocols to meet ethical and legal standards. These professionals also provide training to research staff and work to minimize animal pain and distress during scientific studies. Their work is crucial in supporting safe and humane scientific advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab animal veterinarian?

To thrive as a Lab Animal Veterinarian, you need a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, state licensure, and specialized knowledge in laboratory animal science and welfare. Experience with animal care protocols, research compliance systems like IACUC, and certifications such as ACLAM are highly valued. Excellent observational skills, ethical judgment, and strong communication are crucial for working with research teams and advocating for animal welfare. These skills ensure that research is conducted responsibly, animal well-being is prioritized, and regulatory standards are consistently met.

What are the typical challenges faced by a lab animal veterinarian in maintaining animal welfare while supporting research goals?

Lab Animal Veterinarians often balance the ethical care of research animals with the scientific objectives of research teams. Common challenges include ensuring compliance with animal welfare regulations, managing health and enrichment programs for various species, and navigating differing perspectives between researchers and animal care staff. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, a thorough knowledge of relevant guidelines, and the ability to advocate for humane practices while facilitating critical research outcomes. Collaboration and ongoing education are vital to address these evolving challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Lab Animal Veterinarian vs Research Veterinarian?

AspectLab Animal VeterinarianResearch Veterinarian
CredentialsDVM or VMD, often with laboratory animal certificationDVM or VMD, with research or specialty certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, animal care facilities, research institutionsResearch labs, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, biotech firms, universitiesPharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, academic research
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Lab Animal Veterinarian and a Research Veterinarian lies in their focus. Lab Animal Veterinarians primarily ensure the health and welfare of laboratory animals, working in animal care facilities and research settings. Research Veterinarians often focus on conducting or supporting scientific studies, including clinical trials. Both roles require veterinary credentials, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

More about Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs

What cities are hiring for Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs?

Cities with the most Lab Animal Veterinarian job openings:

What states have the most Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs are:

Lab Animal Veterinarian jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Animal Veterinarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,653 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

DLAR Lab Animal Veterinarian Senior

University of Kentucky

Lexington, KY • On-site

$95K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

University Of Kentucky rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 627 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

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