2b. Working with animals
Jump to section:
- Whom do I contact?
- How do I know if I need to obtain approval?
- What are the training obligations? Are educational resources available?
- What should I do after I receive IACUC approval?
- What are my responsibilities related to Animal Subjects Research Compliance?
- Will the IACUC monitor my research after approval?
- How do I close a Research Study?
- Relevant policies, procedures, and guidelines.
1. Whom do I contact?
Two Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) units support animal research:
The Office of Animal Resources (OAR) provides veterinary expertise, care, and resources necessary to maintain a high-quality animal research program.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) reviews all research, testing, training, and teaching/instructional projects involving the use of vertebrate animals.
Contact information:
319-335-7985
IACUC Staff Directory
OAR Staff Directory
The IACUC and OAR offer orientation meetings for new researchers. During these meetings, researchers meet IACUC and OAR leadership, receive guidance on the steps required to obtain IACUC approval, and learn how to proceed after approval. Email IACUC@uiowa.edu to schedule an orientation meeting.
2. How do I know if I need to obtain approval?
All researchers must obtain IACUC approval before initiating any research, testing, training, or instructional project involving the use of live vertebrate animals.
To obtain approval, follow the instructions to submit an animal protocol application to the IACUC.
3. What are the training obligations? Are educational resources available?
All personnel working with animals are required to complete the Animal Use Education Course.
The IACUC and OAR also offer optional training opportunities and orientation meetings for new investigators.
4. What should I do after I receive IACUC approval for my animal protocol?
Contact the Office of Animal Resources to set up your accounts (MFKs) and arrange to order and house your animals.
All approved animal protocols must undergo complete review at least once every three years. To avoid any interruption in animal use, submit an animal protocol (marked as a renewal) for IACUC review at least six to eight weeks before the current protocol expires.
5. What are my responsibilities related to animal subjects research compliance?
The University of Iowa maintains a fully staffed veterinary surgery unit, veterinary health technicians, and husbandry personnel. If your animal model requires special needs, contact the OAR early in the onboarding process.
Additional areas of compliance include:
Housing of animals (contact the OAR to determine the appropriate housing facility for your animals)
6. Will the IACUC monitor my research after approval?
The IACUC performs ongoing review of research protocols through semiannual inspections. The IACUC post-approval monitor schedules site visits to assist labs with regulatory compliance and provide training.
7. How do I close a research study?
Contact the IACUC to close a research study.
8. What other resources are available?
Policies and guidelines: The IACUC and OAR provide guidance documents, including policies, guidelines, and information sheets, to support planning animal procedures at the University of Iowa.
Reporting animal concerns: The humane care and use of animals are of paramount importance to the University of Iowa. Concerns about animal treatment, including husbandry issues, should be reported to the IACUC chair for investigation.
Animal protocol: University policy and federal law require review and approval of proposed activities related to the humane care and use of animals. At the University of Iowa, the IACUC conducts this review through animal protocol submission.
Animal facility access: To gain access to animal facilities, complete the required training form.
Occupational hazards associated with the care and use of laboratory animals: The Occupational Health and Safety Program helps prevent occupational hazards and maintain a safe environment for personnel working with or around laboratory animals.
Faculty recruitment: To help the OAR and IACUC meet the needs of new and potential UI researchers, complete the two faculty recruitment forms.
Animal alternatives database search: The IACUC offers assistance with literature searches to identify alternatives.