Helpful Information

Does It Require IACUC Approval?

*this is in no way an exhaustive list and is intended for informational purposes only. Always contact the IACUC before using any live vertebrate animal in a class or research activity. 

Example 1

No IACUC Review

Counting the number of squirrels you see as you walk across campus

Requires IACUC Exempt Activity (Form Y) Review

Counting the number of squirrels on campus for a class or research project

Requires IACUC Full Protocol Review

Counting the number of squirrels on campus for a class or research project that involves in any way disrupting/altering their natural behaviors such as calling, baiting, or capturing the squirrels.

Example 2

No IACUC Review

Feeding and caring for the chickens in the organic garden using generally-accepted agricultural practices

Requires IACUC Exempt Activity (Form Y) Review

Counting the number of eggs each chicken lays as part of a class or research project

Requires IACUC Full Protocol Review

Counting the number of eggs each chicken lays as part of a class or research project in which the chicken’s normal environment is altered in any way such as a change in diet or housing

Example 3

No IACUC Review

Bringing your privately-owned dog to class

Requires IACUC Exempt Activity (Form Y) Review

Bringing your privately-owned dog to class to serve as a model for a class activity

Requires IACUC Full Protocol Review

Bringing your privately-owned dog to class in which the dog’s preference for different dog treats will be observed as part of a class activity

Acronyms

AAALAC – Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International

AALAS – American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

ACLAM – American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine

APHIS – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

AVMA – American Veterinary Medical Association

AWA – Animal Welfare Act

CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CITI – Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative

FDA – Food and Drug Administration

FOIA – Freedom of Information Act

IACUC – Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

ILAR – Institute for Laboratory Animal Research

IRAC – Interagency Research Animal Committee

NIH – National Institutes of Health

OACU – Office of Animal Care and Use

OLAW – Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

PHS – Public Health Service.

USDA – United States Department of Agriculture

Documents Available Online:

  1. Acceptable Use of Wild Mammals in Research and Education
  2. AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals
  3. Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (“The Guide”)
  4. Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience and Behavioral Research
  5. Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Field Research
  6. Guidelines for the Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field Research
  7. Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research
  8. Methods and Welfare Considerations in Behavioral Research with Animals
  9. OLAW Frequently Asked Questions
  10. PHS Policy
  11. The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching
  12. USDA Animal Welfare Act
  13. USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Guide
  14. USDA Regulations
  15. USDA/APHIS Animal Care Policies

OACU Training Resources (videos): https://oacu.oir.nih.gov/training-resources