Research involving animals

As an internationally recognized teaching, research and service institution, the University of California is dedicated to understanding the world that we live in and to applying that knowledge for the benefit of our planet and to improve human condition. In pursuing that mission, research at University of California draws on a variety of research models, including animals, to help answer questions about human and animal health and disease.

The University of California is committed to highest ethical standards in the conduct of its biomedical and social science/behavioral research, by applying and promoting humane, responsible animal care and use in its research and teaching activities. All research involving vertebrate animals is subject to rigorous reviews by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs) located at UC campuses and care of research animals is overseen at each campus by highly qualified Attending Veterinarians. UC strives to comply with federal and state regulations governing the humane care and use of laboratory animals, including the USDA Animal Welfare Act. In addition, UC campuses are all accredited by independent organizations that promote humane treatment of animals in science.

Contact: Dragana Alexander at Dragana.Alexander@ucop.edu or (510) 987-9634, and Sean Mayuga at Sean.Mayuga@ucop.edu or (510) 987-0247

Policies & Guidance

Contract and Grant Manual Chapter 18

Protection of Research Subjects

UC Memorandum of Understanding for Mutual Assistance in Support of the UC Research Administration & Compliance Infrastructure PDF

October 2020

This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizes voluntary mutual assistance in areas of research administration and compliance, including animal care. The MOU can be utilized in times of emergency or disaster or in times when one campus experiences extraordinary circumstances or vacancies in key compliance areas necessary to continue research programs.

Attachment B: Supplemental Terms and Conditions for Intercampus Requests for Mutual Assistance Related to the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals DOC

External Laws, Regulations & Policies

Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare Link

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) oversees the care and use of research animals in Public Health Service (PHS)-funded research

PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Link | Frequently Asked Questions on PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Link

Animal Welfare Act PDF

The Animal Welfare Act, signed into law in 1966, is the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard.

USDA Animal Welfare Services & Activities Link