Supporting the animal care program

Overview

UW–Madison spends almost $25 million each year on food, bedding, housing and salaries to support the care and well-being of its research animals. More than 4,000 people are involved in the university’s program, including animal caretakers, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, researchers and research staff, program support staff and students at all levels of the university. Each individual receives education appropriate to their responsibilities and must be certified in the program and in related occupational health issues.

Institutional Official (IO)

Federal law requires that each institution appoint an IO to take personal responsibility for proper animal program functioning.

Dan Uhlrich
608-262-1044

Research Animal Resources Center (RARC)

The RARC is the administrative and research support unit responsible for ensuring appropriate management of the animal program. The RARC supports the institutional Animal Care and Use Committees and provides training, program monitoring, veterinary care, protocol review support and access to All-Campus Animal Use Policies.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs)

Federal regulations require an IACUC at every research institution that uses vertebrate animals. An IACUC must review and approve in advance every application for animal use in research, teaching or outreach. The IACUC also performs a biannual review of the animal program, which is reported to the institutional official.

Under the umbrella of the All-Campus Animal Care and Use Committee, UW–Madison maintains five Animal Care and Use Committees: