What is the process when working with animals?

The Division of Animal Resources (DAR) is an integrated team of animal care specialists, administrative professionals, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, logistics deliverers, and information technology experts dedicated to the high quality and comprehensive care of research animals and to our mission of providing for the health and wellbeing everywhere by providing the finest support possible to Emory University scientists.

The DAR domain at Emory includes the entire array of animal research facilities with the exception of those of the Yerkes National Primate Research Center. The reporting lines of the DAR are to the university Vice President for Research Administration regarding animal welfare matters and to the Executive Associate Dean for Research of the School of Medicine with respect to operations, finances and management. The DAR is assisted in its mission by a faculty Animal Resources Advisory Committee (ARAC) with representation from the School of Medicine and Emory College.

 

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) reviews all research, teaching and training involving the use of vertebrate animals.

 

DAR Phone:  404-727-7423

 

Research animals are the property of Emory University and their exchange or transfer between institutions or investigators must be properly approved and accounted by the animal resources programs acting on behalf of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Animals obtained for research use at the university, whether purchased or donated, must be acquired through the animal ordering processes of the appropriate Emory University animal resources programs.

For all animal shipments to or from another research institution arranged through the IACUC, refer to the IACUC Policy on Transfer of Animals Between Outside Institutions and Emory.

 

All researchers must obtain IACUC approval initiating any research, testing, or instructional project involving the use of live vertebrate animals. 

To obtain approval, follow the instructions for submitting an Animal Protocol application to IACUC.

One of the primary functions of IACUC is to review and approve animal use protocols, and any subsequent changes to those approved activities. The Protocol Approval Process document outlines those processes and the mechanisms employed to determine which steps are required to secure approval.

Prior to working with animals, individuals must complete basic training components.  The components are detailed in the 8th Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide). 

 

Contact the Division of Animal Resources (DAR) to set up your accounts and arrange for ordering and housing your animals.

 

Be aware that all approved animal protocols must undergo complete review at least once every three years.  To avoid any interruption in animal usage, submit an Animal Protocol (checked as Renewal) to IACUC review at least six to eight weeks before the current Animal Protocol expires.

 

Emory University maintains a fully staffed veterinary surgery unit, health technicians and husbandry personnel.  If your animal model requires special needs, contact the Division of Animal Resources early in the process of locating to the University.

 

 

IACUC is under federal mandate to monitor all research activities related to animal use. Pursuant to the 8th edition of “The Guide for The Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide),” this includes continuing IACUC oversight of approved animal activities related to ongoing protocol assessment and regulatory compliance (pg. 33-34).

 

The primary goal of the post-approval monitoring (PAM) program is to monitor congruence between laboratory practice and the approved IACUC protocol, so as to ensure compliance.

 

 

 

Contact the IACUC Office to close a research study.