Policies, Resources and Regulations

The National Research Council approves the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It promotes humane care of animals used in research, teaching or testing that enhances the quality of biomedical research.

The IACUC Central is a comprehensive repository, a valuable resource for institutional animal care and use committee members and staff. It's updated quarterly and contains pages of links to governmental agencies, databases, examples of institutional websites and training resources.

The AVMA Panel on Euthanasia develops guidelines with support from its working groups. It guides veterinarians who carry out or oversee the euthanasia of animals, recommending ways to relieve pain and suffering of the animals.

AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization promoting the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment. More than 950 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions in 41 countries have earned AAALAC accreditation.

NIH's Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) provides guidance on the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It supports educational programs and monitors compliance with the policy by assured institutions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture works to ensure proper animal care and comfort through the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Rsearch animal regulations are in CFR title 9, chapter 1, subchapter A.

This book serves as an introductory guide to hazards associated with the care and use of research animals. It focuses on protecting the health and safety of investigators and employees. 

This advisory documents focuses on biosafety--the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms and hazardous biological materials. It guides researchers in containment and risk assessment. 

The CM-LAF provides resources through its library, BEB room 119. Available materials include books, videos and instructional brochures on the care of research animals as well as journals, JALAS, Comparative Medicine and ILAR.