How can a Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) contribute to the planning function?

A Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG) plays a crucial role in the planning function by contributing an assessment of the caging and equipment needs. This is vital for ensuring that the animals have suitable environments to maintain their welfare and meet their specific species requirements. The LATG's expertise in animal husbandry allows them to evaluate the current needs based on the research goals, the number of animals, and the species involved.

This assessment helps researchers and facility managers make informed decisions about purchasing or modifying caging systems and equipment necessary to uphold both animal welfare standards and regulatory compliance. By identifying and specifying the necessary caging requirements, the LATG ensures that the facility is prepared for ongoing and future research endeavors while optimizing the use of space and resources.

In contrast, other activities related to safety audits, health checks, or designing facility layouts are also important but do not directly contribute to assessing caging and equipment needs in the same targeted way that aligns with planning for animal care and experimental set-up. Each of these activities supports the overall function of the facility, but the specific contribution to planning through caging and equipment assessment is critical for a well-operating laboratory environment.