Laboratory animal technician NOC code
NOC 2021 code, TEER level and Express Entry status for laboratory animal technician.
Last reviewed 2026-11-02 · Sources: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Quick answer
The NOC code for laboratory animal technician is 32104 (Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians), a TEER 2 occupation — it counts as skilled work for Express Entry. It's eligible for Healthcare category draws.
NOC code
32104
TEER 2 · skilled
High-wage
Not listed
No extra CRS points
Category draws
Healthcare
IRCC 2026 lists
What NOC 32104 covers
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians provide technical support to veterinarians by caring for animals and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of animal health disorders. They are employed in veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, animal shelters, humane societies, zoos, animal research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies and government. Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
| Unit group | 32104 — Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians |
|---|---|
| TEER | TEER 2 — usually requires a college diploma or apprenticeship of 2+ years, or supervisory roles |
| Broad category | Health occupations |
Main duties to compare with yours
- Provide nursing care and rehabilitation therapy for animals
- Handle, restrain and care for animals undergoing treatment and surgery
- Produce radiographs, collect and analyse samples and perform other laboratory tests to assist in diagnosis of animal health problems
- Assist veterinarian with animals before, during and following surgery by preparing surgical equipment, administering and monitoring anaesthetics and cleaning up after surgery
- Prepare and administer medications and vaccines under direction of a veterinarian
- Administer treatments as prescribed by a veterinarian
To use NOC 32104 on an Express Entry profile or reference letter, your duties should match the lead statement and most of the main duties. See every duty and the full Express Entry breakdown for NOC 32104 →
Other job titles under NOC 32104
- Animal health technician
- Animal health technologist
- Veterinarian assistant
- Veterinary technician
- Veterinary technologist
- Registered veterinary technician (RVT)
Similar titles in other NOC codes
If your duties don't match NOC 32104, one of these may fit better:
- Animal control officer — NOC 43202 (By-law enforcement and other regulatory officers, TEER 3)
- Animal control trapper — NOC 73202 (Pest controllers and fumigators, TEER 3)
- Biological laboratory technologist — NOC 22110 (Biological technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Chemical laboratory analyst — NOC 22100 (Chemical technologists and technicians, TEER 2)
- Clinical laboratory helper — NOC 33109 (Other assisting occupations in support of health services, TEER 3)
- College laboratory assistant — NOC 41201 (Post-secondary teaching and research assistants, TEER 1)
- Dental laboratory assistant — NOC 33100 (Dental assistants and dental laboratory assistants, TEER 3)
- Director of laboratory medicine — NOC 30010 (Managers in health care, TEER 0)
Calculate your CRS score → · All job titles A–Z · High-wage list
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0 (example titles and duties); IRCC high-wage occupations and category-based selection lists. Check the official NOC site before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NOC code for laboratory animal technician?+
In NOC 2021, "laboratory animal technician" is an example title in unit group 32104 — Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians. It is a TEER 2 occupation in the "Health occupations" broad category.
Is laboratory animal technician eligible for Express Entry?+
NOC 32104 is TEER 2, which IRCC counts as skilled work experience for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Canadian Experience Class — provided your actual duties match the NOC description and you meet every other program requirement.
Does laboratory animal technician get extra CRS points?+
NOC 32104 isn't on IRCC's high-wage list, so there are no extra high-wage or job offer points. Canadian work-length points still apply for TEER 0–3 work.
Can a laboratory animal technician get a category-based Express Entry invitation?+
Yes — NOC 32104 is on IRCC's list for Healthcare and Social Services Occupations, 2026-Version 3. You generally need have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience) — this experience does not need to be continuous.
What if my job title says laboratory animal technician but my duties are different?+
IRCC assesses your duties, not your job title. Compare what you actually do with the lead statement and main duties of NOC 32104. If most of them don't match, look at the related occupations below or search the official NOC site.