1

Lab Animal Veterinarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Title Lab Animal Technician Location Syracuse, NY Campus Syracuse, NY Commitment to On-Campus ... Veterinary Technician license, or 0-2 years of mouse room and/or freshwater aquarium experience.

Showing results 21-40

Lab Animal Veterinarian information

See salary details

$26.5K

$103.7K

$161.5K

How much do lab animal veterinarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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:

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, 72% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,653 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Clinical Veterinarian, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

291st of 627 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The Clinical Veterinarian provides clinical veterinary care for the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care accredited laboratory animal care and use program serving Wayne State University and the affiliated John D. Dingell Veterans Administration Medical Center, Detroit, MI. Serve as part of a team of veterinarians who support research and teaching programs. Reports to Senior Director - Division of Laboratory Animal Resources.

Essential Functions:

Provide clinical veterinary care and preventative medicine to research and teaching animals, including performing routine rounds and ill animal visits at multiple facilities, with a specific focus on care of rodent species.

Provide overall functional supervision to staff.  Assign duties, delegate responsibilities, check and evaluate work. Provide coaching, mentoring, and teaching.

Function as a back-up for the other veterinarians. Clinical responsibilities include serving on a rotating on call basis to provide weekend and holiday medical coverage for emergencies or animal health related concerns.

Participate in general program management duties including review and authoring of standard operating procedures and Division of Lab Animal Research policies. Work with technicians and Division of Lab Animal Research management to address operational issues as they arise.

Participate in various Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee activities including review of animal use protocols and amendments, review and creation of policies, attendance at various regular Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee meetings and/or membership on the committee and assisting in the semi-annual review of the animal care program.

Consult with investigative staff regarding protocol development, model selection, and technical training as needed.

Perform other related duties as assigned.


What Wayne State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom