Animal Care Service

Animal Care Services

Animal Care Services is one of the research services offered by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement, Office of Research Compliance.  The members of the Animal Care staff provide the specialized husbandry and veterinary care for the laboratory animals used in teaching and research activities at the University.  The Office serves as a resource for all students, faculty, and investigators needing training in or seeking any information about the handling, care, and use of laboratory animals.  A production service for monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies is available to investigators.  Questions and requests regarding requirements for animal care and use protocols, other documentation, training, or information should be directed to the Animal Care Office, Research Administration Building, tel. (413) 545-0668.  Additional information about the Animal Care Office and the IACUC can be found at the Research and Engagement website: http://www.umass.edu/research/animal-use and http://www.umass.edu/research/animal-care-resources.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

The University’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a federally mandated committee composed of research and teaching faculty, veterinarians, animal care personnel, non-scientists, and community members.  The IACUC reviews all protocols involving the use of live vertebrate animals in teaching and research to ensure that all federal and state laws and University guidelines are followed.  The committee also conducts semi-annual reviews of the animal care facilities and program, animal procedure laboratories, and associated support areas.  The University’s IACUC Animal Use Protocol forms and related information are available on the Research and Engagement website: http://www.umass.edu/research/iacuc and from the Animal Care Office.

Specific information on required student participation in courses involving animal use is available through the appropriate departmental office.