There are several levels of oversight for any research study involving animals. At the University of Minnesota's College of Veterinary Medicine, we pride ourselves in our stringent compliance to the regulations concerning research activities with animals.
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
Our research animal facilities have undergone stringent inspection in order to be accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC). The AAALAC is a private nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals through a voluntary accreditation program.
Visit the AAALAC website for more information
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a group of University and community individuals that reviews research and other activities involving animals to ensure they are justified by their benefits and minimize any pain or suffering. All CIC projects must obtain approval from IACUC for the following:
- Any new research protocol, including studies involving client-owned animals;
- Consent forms used by studies with client-owned animals;
- Changes in a research protocol; and
- Requests for additional animals.
Visit the IACUC website for more information
Federal and University regulations
Federal regulations and guidelines come from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare and the United States Department of Agriculture. The Regents Policies of the University of Minnesota offer further regulation.