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:
- Acceptable Use of Wild Mammals in Research and Education
- AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals
- Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (“The Guide”)
- Guidelines for the Care and Use of Mammals in Neuroscience and Behavioral Research
- Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Field Research
- Guidelines for the Use of Live Amphibians and Reptiles in Field Research
- Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research
- Methods and Welfare Considerations in Behavioral Research with Animals
- OLAW Frequently Asked Questions
- PHS Policy
- The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching
- USDA Animal Welfare Act
- USDA Animal Welfare Inspection Guide
- USDA Regulations
- USDA/APHIS Animal Care Policies
OACU Training Resources (videos): https://oacu.oir.nih.gov/training-resources