From providing care to sick animals in the facility, to implementing special diets or treatment protocols set by researchers, animal care staff serve an integral role in the research programs of virtually all research institutes.
Animals in the care facility are often kept in module cages that attach to water spigots and air filters in order to ensure a consistent healthy environment. Enrichment materials are often provided to animals, unless their purpose dictates otherwise, in order to allow the animals to perform their natural tendencies, such as nest building. Further, the cages used for different animals are vastly different. For example, mice, rats and non-human primates require very different environments in order to survive in captivity.
While the research I conduct requires animals to be transported to the laboratory in which I work, some researchers collect their data within the animal care facility. Thus, the animal care facility also holds specialized equipment used for tissue collection procedures or surgeries. Regardless, when I am ready to do work with an animal, I travel to the animal care facility with a drape to cover the cage that will carry the animal down to my workspace. The drape is for the protection and respect of the animal and any folks that may see me as I make my way back to the lab.
Once in the lab, I make sure to be completely prepared for my work so as to be as respectful and caring for the animal while I work with it. When learning complex animal procedures and techniques, it is important to be completely aware that your proficiency in those skills will directly reflect in your ability to show appreciation for the animal that you are using.
