Animal Care

Guide to the Responsible Care & Use of Laboratory Animals at UWM

Chapter V:   Animal Facilities

1. Regulatory Definition of Animal Facilities

   1. AWA regulations

      Anywhere that animals are housed more than 12 hours becomes an animal facility that must comply with all regulations.

   2. PHS Policy

      A satellite facility is a room outside of the main facility where animals are housed for more than 24 hours

2. Facilities: Campus Facilities, WATER Institute, Mobile Labs and Field Sites

   1. Animal Resource Center- Consists of the main animal facility and all satellite facilities housing mammals and birds

      1. Overseen by veterinarian and lab manager

      2. Lab animal care

         • Students provide the care in the ARC

         • Animals are observed 365 days a year.
      3. Animal Resource Center Policy Committee: A faculty/academic staff committee of animal users who meet to set policies and discuss per diem rates.
   2. Aquatic animal facilities- consists of facilities at WATER Institute and on campus

      1. Overseen by veterinarian, lab managers and investigators

      2. Lab animal care

         • Full time personnel and student help

         • Aquatic animals observed 365 days a year
      3. Aquatic vertebrate animal committee:

         A faculty/academic staff committee of animal users who meet to set policies at the WATER Institute

   3. Field sites and mobile stations at various locations

      1. Overseen by veterinarian, lab managers and investigators

      2. Lab animal care

         • Provided by investigators

         • Observed daily

3. Inspections

   All animal facilities and satellite facilities are inspected by the IACUC at least semiannually

4. Tour Policy of Animal Facilities

   1. See www.safety.uwm.edu website under ACUC policies for the Tour Policy.

      1. A written request must be made to a Department Chair or Director.

      2. Public access will be granted for informational purposes only.
      3. Granting of public access requires approval of investigators, Directors or Chairs, veterinarian and facility managers.
      4. All public access will be guided by an appropriate UWM representative.
      5. The number of persons allowed at one time will be restricted and the use of electronic devices will be monitored.

5. Disaster/Emergency Plans

   There is a Disaster Plan for the Animal Care Program. All facility users should be familiar with the plan in case of an emergency or disaster.

Updated November 13, 2006 by SAK