The IACUC reviews all animal use protocols, ensures compliance with federal regulations, inspects animal facilities and laboratories, and oversees training and educational programs.
The IACUC serves as a resource to faculty, investigators, technicians, students, staff, and administrators and provides guidance for conducting all animal use procedures with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles.The IACUC also oversees the occupational health and safety program for animal users.
The IACUC is composed of the following individuals:
- Chair
- Veterinarian
- A minimum of one research scientist, non-scientists community representative, and a student representative
The IACUC makes semiannual inspections of all facilities and laboratories where animals are housed or utilized. The IACUC meets once per month with two meetings per year (or two additional meetings) designated for lab inspection and twice per year (or two additional meetings) for program review.
The IACUC performs the following federally mandated functions:
- Review at least once every six months SPU's program for humane care and use of animals, using theGuide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals as a basis for evaluation.
- Inspect, at least once every six months, all of the animal facilities, including animal study areas/satellite facilities, using public health services regulations, the United States Department of Agriculture regulations, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, as a basis for evaluation.
- Prepare reports of IACUC evaluations and submit the reports to the institutional official (IO).
- Review and investigate legitimate concerns involving the care and use of animals at the research facility resulting from public complaints and from reports of non-compliance received from facility personnel or employees.
- Make recommendations to the IO regarding any aspect of the research facility's animal program, facilities, or personnel training.
- Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of those components of proposed activities related to the care and use of animals.
- Review and approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or withhold approval of proposed significant changes regarding the care and use of animals in ongoing activities.
- Suspend an activity involving animals when necessary; take corrective action and report to the funding agency, Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare, and the United States Department of Agriculture
Policies and related applications
Seattle Pacific faculty members are invited to access this additional policies, procedures, and related applications (password protected) for the care and use of animals in teaching and research.
Related links
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare
United States Department of Agriculture
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care
Northwest Association of Biomedical Research