Laws, Regulations and Resources

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There are various sources of information you can consult with regard to working with animals in research, teaching, and testing activities. One very good source is the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, more commonly referred to as the Guide.

 

The purpose of the Guide is to assist institutions in caring for and using animals in ways judged to be scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate. The Guide is also intended to assist investigators in fulfilling their obligation to plan and conduct animal activities in accord with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.

 

Another very good source of information is the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching, if your research involves agricultural animals.

 

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) has created a brochure intended to communicate responsibilities to principle investigators. "What Investigators Need to Know About the Use of Animals" is a succinct resource that allows individuals to quickly grasp the main expectations and requirements of animal care and use.

 

There are many other resources, which can be found on our Links page.

 

You may wish to review the information provided via the links that follow before you complete the Animal Care and Use Protocol (ACUP) form.

 

Numerous laws, policies, and regulations govern the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing. The federal government has provided guidance in many areas. Links to these important documents follow.

 

• Animal Welfare Act and Regulations
• USDA/APHIS Animal Welfare Publications and Policy
• Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (NIH)
• Office of Animal Care and Use (NIH)
• PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals