OFFICE OF SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS AND BIOTECHNOLOGY

DIVISION OF LABORATORY ANIMAL RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions

What is required for annual review and approval of animal use protocols?

Initial Animal Care and Use Committee approval of an animal use protocol is valid for one year only. Continuing annual review and approval must be obtained through submission of the Animal Protocol Renewal Application Form. The protocol renewal form may be used for two years. After this three year period, a full Animal Use Protocol Form must be completed and submitted for approval.

How do I order animals?

Submit a completed DLAR Animal Purchase Request Form and either a Research Foundation Purchase Requisition (F281) or a State Purchase Requisition (F465) to the DLAR office BSB 9-3. The Animal Purchase Request Forms can be obtained from the DLAR office prior to ordering. Both the Research and the State Purchase Request Forms can be obtained from central stores. The Animal Purchase Request Forms must include an approved protocol number, the species, sex, strain, amount needed, preferred vendor and the principal investigator’s signature. DLAR will acquire a purchase request number after receiving the signed Purchase Request Forms and the Animal Request Forms. Incomplete forms cannot be processed.

When can I place an order for animals?

Orders must be placed by Thursday before 3:00 p.m.

When do I receive animal orders?

Animals are received according to the schedule described below. Animals will typically be housed by 1:00 p.m. on the day of arrival. If you require any animal prior to 1:00 p.m. or you do not need them to be housed, state on the Animal Purchase Request Form.

• Charles Rivers - Tuesday
• Taconic, Jackson and Harlan - Wednesday

How do I start a standing order for purchasing animals?

When submitting an Animal Purchase Request Form to the DLAR office answer all the question pertaining to setting up a standing order. It is highly recommend that all time pregnant rodents that are needed on a regular basis be placed on a standing order. This is to insure vender availability. All standing orders must be cancelled in writing one week in advance of cancellations.

How can I receive animals from another institution, domestically or overseas?

Requesting animals from another institution requires an Animal Purchase Request From regardless if it’s a purchase, transfer, or donation. Include on the form the institutions contact information (investigator, facility manager and veterinarian). DLAR cannot accept animals without a health certificate. All animals that are accepted must undergo a 6-8 week quarantine period prior to release into the general rodent population.

How can I ship animals to another institution, domestically or overseas?

Contact DLAR’s veterinary technician and/or Clinical Veterinarian to obtain a current health report. DLAR will assist you obtaining shipping material and information on overnight courier services. The individual shipping the animals must handle all arrangements and payment of the shipment.

How do I transfer animals to another investigator?

Transfer between investigators must be approved by DLAR. Submit a Animal Transfer form with transfer information and signature from both Principal Investigators. Forms can be obtained from the DLAR office BSB 9-3.

How do I get clean cages?

Clean cages are located on the 9th floor adjacent to the elevator foyer. If you need a large number of cages for weaning or separating of cages a DLAR service request form can be submitted 42 hours in advance.

What do I do with dirty cages?

Dirty cages must be placed on a Dirty Cage Rack located on a cart on each floor within the animal housing area. All carts are designated with a Dirty Cage Sign. Never place cages or equipment on directly on the floor. Please remember to clean up after your self there are many people working in the animal rooms.

What do I do with carcasses?

Animal carcasses should be placed in a clear or black plastic bag and deposited in the freezer located on the 9th floor BSB 9-29 for proper disposal.

Where can I perform procedures in the facility?

Most procedures can be performed within the animal room. All Surgical procedures must be performed in a dedicated space for rodent surgery to minimize contamination. Survival surgery should be performed using sterile instruments, surgical gloves, and aseptic procedures to prevent clinical infections. Large animal survival surgery must be performed in the sterile surgical suite. This is to be arranged in advance with the surgical technician and the veterinary technician.

How do I handle animals?

Proper restraint of animals is essential for facilitating and providing humane care. Inexperienced persons planning on working with animals should contact the DLAR office and request hands on training. All new staff must also attend a DLAR orientation prior to working with any animals.

How do I euthanize animals?

Most rodents are euthanized by exposure to CO2. Animals should be transported to the necropsy room on the 9th floor BSB 9-6. Remove the filter top and water bottle from the cage and place the stainless steel lid on top of the rodent's home cage. Saturate the cage with CO2 for 1-2 minutes for mice and 5-8 minutes for rats. Neonates must be decapitated for successful euthanasia. Larger specimens must be euthanized with an overdose of a barbiturate. Overdosing is usually three times the anesthetics dose and is species specific. All euthanasia must be done in accordance with the procedures approved in the animal use protocol.

How do I sex pups?

Rat and mouse pups can be sexed by measuring the ano-genital distance. Compare two mice until you can find a difference in distance. Females have a shorter ano-genital distance than do males. If you have difficulties determining sex, the veterinary staff is available to help you.

When do I have to wean?

Weaning must be done at 21 days of age to prevent unnecessary premature mating and provide a healthy uncrowded environment.

Additional "frequently asked questions" regarding the care and use of animals in research will be added to this list as relevant and appropriate issues arise.

Highest Quality, Friendly Service for both Animals and Mankind