Program Overview

Animal Keeper Program

Overview

The Animal Keeper program at TU Dresden is a three-year vocational training program that specializes in research and clinical work. The program aims to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for laboratory animals.

Course of Training

The program comprises the following focal points:

• Application of accident prevention measures and the legal provisions governing animal keeping
• Animal anatomy, physiology, and behavior
• Breeding and rearing of hygienically and genetically defined animals
• Optimal care, feeding, and keeping of laboratory animals
• Construction and maintenance of animal shelters
• Procurement, storage, preparation, and use of animal feed and bedding
• Species-appropriate animal transport
• Support with treatment and surgical procedures
• Application of hygiene measures (including cleaning and disinfection)
• Meetings with clients and electronic data collection

Prerequisites

To be eligible for the program, applicants should have at least completed high school equivalent and enjoy working with animals and other people. They should be patient team players, work carefully and precisely, and have a strong sense of responsibility. Additionally, they should be computer literate and possess basic English skills.

Program Details

The program is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in caring for laboratory animals. Students will learn about animal behavior, anatomy, and physiology, as well as the legal provisions governing animal keeping. They will also gain experience in breeding and rearing animals, constructing and maintaining animal shelters, and applying hygiene measures.

Job Title and Specialization

The job title for this program is Animal Keeper (m/f/x), with a specialization in research and clinical work. The program duration is three years.

Main Functions

As an animal keeper, the main functions include:

• Breeding, feeding, and attending to laboratory animals
• Cleaning and maintaining cages
• Computer-assisted documentation of breeding and experimental trials
• Close observation of animals
• Marking animals for identification
• Support with treatment and surgical procedures

Training Program

The training program is designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to care for laboratory animals. The program includes both theoretical and practical training, with a focus on hands-on experience in the animal keeping facility and research departments.