Rodent Handling Lab
A Rodent Handling Lab is a hands-on, interactive session where participants learn safe, humane, and effective techniques for working with small mammals such as mice, rats, and other laboratory or companion rodents. In this lab, you’ll gain practical skills in animal handling, restraint, and observation, while also learning about rodent behavior, stress signals, and welfare best practices. The goal is to build confidence, competence, and compassion when working with these animals.
This lab is designed for veterinary professionals, students, animal care staff, researchers, and anyone who works with or cares for rodents in a professional or educational setting. Whether you’re new to handling rodents or looking to refine your skills, this lab provides a supportive learning environment with expert guidance and immediate feedback.
Live rodent handling labs are currently offered in Northern California only due to travel regulations for transporting live animals. However, I am available for speaking engagements, training sessions, and consultation in the broader laboratory animal and research space — both in person (outside of live animal transport) and virtually.
This Isn’t Your 8th Grade Science Lab — And I’m Not Your Average Nerd.
Wet labs, but make it a little EXTRA! I currently offer hands-on rodent handling courses that train future RVTs and lab professionals to lead with confidence, care, and a little flair. My lab, Science, Scruffs & Sass, blends technical skill with real-world readiness (and yes—my students leave educated, empowered, and probably wanting a rat).
I'm also available for contract research work—from surgical support to compliance consulting. If it involves research animals, regulations, or results, I’m in my element.
With over 15 years in veterinary and research medicine, I’ve worked across the spectrum: running pre- clinical studies, managing AAALAC-accredited facilities, and most recently, managing veterinary hospitals with an eye for compliance, culture, and cash flow. I build systems that work even when no one’s watching—and lead teams that stay kind and efficient under pressure.
As a change agent, I’ve learned to align operations with values, not just KPIs. I optimize workflows, empower staff, and believe leadership isn’t about control—it’s about clarity, curiosity, and culture building.
✨ I launched Selina Ann Work Apparel (SAWA) while living abroad in Japan as a military spouse. I believe science and style shouldn’t be mutually exclusive. SAWA helps science professionals express their personality without compromising function.
Whether it’s a rodent scruff or a management shake-up, I show up ready to do the work and elevate the room.
Let’s connect if you’re into:
✔️ Transformational leadership
✔️ Gold-standard compliance
✔️ Teaching with heart
✔️ Or just want to talk lab fashion and legacy
Where Passion Meets Teaching
Happy Students
Students often start class a little uneasy about working with rodents, but by the end, they leave confident, capable, and ready to care for every patient — whiskers and all.
Trained Teaching Assistants
My rodent teaching assistants have been socialized from weaning, making them friendly and eager to meet new people —people mean treats in their world!
Putting that Drip in Wet Labs
This isn’t your typical wet lab. You’ll get an interactive lecture, all necessary supplies, and our charming teaching assistants — all included. You choose the date, and I’ll make it unforgettable.
Real Techniques for Real Professionals
My students gain hands-on skills in safely collecting blood, restraining, medicating, and recognizing common medical concerns in rodents.
Let’s Make Your Lab Paws-itively Unforgettable!
ssizemore@pawfessionalonline.com
*Add'l charge for travel outside designated area*