Case studies: Animal technician: Debbie

Debbie studied animal science at university and is now an animal technician, caring for animals in a research organisation...

I studied animal science at the University of Leeds, which is a relevant degree for a role as an animal technician.

My current position involves working as part of a team of 15, looking after mice, rats, frogs, cornsnakes and geckos. The main areas of research are in neurological diseases and embryo development. My role is to care for the animals and support other roles within the organisation.

I have always wanted to work with animals and to work within a scientific field. A career as an animal technologist combines both my love of animals and my interest in science. I had never considered a career as an animal technologist prior to leaving university. It was only when I was looking for a job and came across the vacancy that I thought about it, applied and discovered that it was the right choice for me.

Having my animal science degree demonstrated that I already had an interest in the field and the ability to learn quickly. It's important to note that you do not need to hold a degree to become an animal technologist. What is crucial is an evident interest in caring for animals. Therefore it's a good idea to have some experience of working with animals before applying for jobs.

Since I started in this role, I have grown in confidence, and my list of responsibilities has expanded. The development of my role will remain consistent until I obtain the qualifications to put me in a higher position of responsibility. Day to day, I carry out general husbandry duties including cleaning, feeding and watering as well as checking for illness and providing environmental enrichment. As animal technologists move up the career ladder, they may be able to start assisting with more scientific procedures and eventually end up managing a laboratory.

I really enjoy my job. I love the fact that I am ensuring the best possible welfare for the animals as well as being involved in the research towards making new treatments to combat major diseases. However, I sometimes find it hard to talk about what I do to new people, as they may frown upon the profession and label it as cruel without considering the facts of my role.

I would like to continue to develop my knowledge and work towards carrying out more procedures and become more confident in what I do. I'm very keen to work my way up the animal technologist career ladder and hopefully become an animal welfare officer.

My advice to anyone interested in becoming an animal technologist is to be prepared that not everyone will approve of the job. Also, you need to be aware that it is hard physical work that can sometimes be monotonous. Lastly, it is really important that you are able to learn quickly and on the job. The majority of your initial training will require that you are working and learning at the same time.