Consistent with the mission and values of the University, our research endeavors must demonstrate adherence to state and federally mandated research guidelines. The Office of the Vice President for Research is responsible for oversight of the University's research compliance. The Office of Animal Welfare is directly responsible for ensuring that animal subjects used in research are used in a manner that is in full accordance with federal regulations (PHS Policy and the Animal Welfare Act), and as approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
The PHS Policy and Animal Welfare Regulations (AWRs) stipulate that the IACUC must review the program for humane care and use of animals and inspect all animal facilities at least once every six months. As part of this semi-annual review, members of the IACUC visit all of the research laboratories where animals are used for research, testing, or education.
In addition we have developed a program of post-approval monitoring to provide feedback throughout the year for all aspects of animal research at University of Virginia.
This program provides several distinct benefits:
- Provides an ongoing mechanism for ensuring compliance with applicable animal care and use policies, guidelines and laws.
- Serves as an opportunity for constructive interaction and education for the research staff and animal care personnel.
- Helps us prepare for visits by outside evaluators, such as USDA inspectors, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) staff, and Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care Intl. (AAALAC) site visitors.
The Office of Animal Welfare staff is available for consults, competency assessments, and routine laboratory inspections. If you would like further information please contact: