Animal WELFARE

At IITRI, we recognize that animal studies play an essential role in assessing the safety of pharmaceuticals and environmental or occupational chemicals, and in advancing our understanding of disease prevention, control, and treatment.

We are committed to providing the best possible environment for animals in our facility, and to the humane and ethical treatment of all species of animals in our care. We ensure the animals’ well-being through a variety of enrichment activities, species-specific activity and behavior opportunities, social housing, positive reinforcement training, and species-specific fresh food enrichment. We also recognize that a humane animal care program contributes to generating high-quality scientific data, reinforcing our commitment to providing the highest-quality studies possible for our clients.

Our animal care program is supervised by a full-time board certified, state licensed, and USDA accredited veterinarian. Institutional oversight, policy, training, and programmatic review are performed by our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Our management and staff are dedicated to following the animal welfare “Five Freedoms” concept originating in the UK in 1965, proposing that animals’ needs can be met by safeguarding these five principles:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst – by ready access to fresh water and diet to maintain health and vigor.
2. Freedom from Discomfort – by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease – by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
4. Freedom to Express Normal Behavior – by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
5. Freedom from Fear and Distress – by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

Compliance

Our animal care program complies with the requirements of the following guidelines and agencies:

• The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC, 2011
• PHS Policy on Humane Care and use of Laboratory Animals
• The Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Act Regulations
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) Regulations

IITRI’s Policy on Animal Adoption