Institutional Animal Care and Use Care Committee (IACUC)

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) ensures the safety and welfare of live non-human animals used in research at Pacific Union College. Proposals typically come to the committee from academic departments in which faculty mentors guide their students in course-based research.

In the U.S., animal use and care standards are primarily governed by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and related regulations, along with sector-specific guidelines for research, agriculture, and other uses.  Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations

There are two basic components to receiving IACUC approval; 1) submission and review of your IACUC protocol application and 2) ensuring those involved in handling live vertebrates on the project have received the appropriate training

The IACUC will review Animal Use Protocols (AUPs) for any proposed research project that involves the use of live vertebrate animals.  The IACUC must ensure that appropriate steps are taken to protect the rights and welfare of animals.

When to Submit an IACUC Animal Use Protocol

• When using animals in teaching, testing, or research — even if the work is at a field site or in a non-university facility, the same IACUC review applies
• New research involving live vertebrate animals — you must have a completed, approved protocol before starting any animal-related activities
• When an existing protocol is approaching its expiration date — protocols are typically reviewed and approved every 3 years
• When you make changes to an approved protocol — any amendment or modification must be submitted for IACUC approval before implementation 

Important compliance points

• Do not begin animal-related activities until you have final IACUC approval for your protocol or amendment 
• All team members handling animals must complete required training before work begins 
• Protocols must include details such as species, housing, procedures, pain/distress minimization, and final disposition

Project Category

You will be asked to select the category that best describes your project.  If your project includes more than one, select the category representing the most invasive activity and describe all procedures in the protocol.

Submission Deadlines

Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarter Submission and Decision Schedule (submissions are not accepted during the summer break)

Submit Animal Use Protocol

For information about human subjects research guidelines Institutional Review Board (IRB) - Pacific Union College.