Animal Subjects Research
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
The Western Washington University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) oversees the university's animal programs, facilities, and procedures ensuring the appropriate care, use, and humane treatments of animals involved in research and education.
Any ownership or use of animals for research or teaching by or for WWU must be approved by the IACUC. This includes any research or teaching conducted by faculty, staff, or students in on-campus labs, satellite facilities, or in the field.
Specific training and IACUC approval are required prior to using any vertebrate animals as part of research or teaching.
IMPORTANT NOTE!
IACUC does not review application materials during the summer.
About the IACUC
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is responsible for oversight of the animal care and use program and its components as described in the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Its oversight functions include an ongoing assessment of animal care and use. IACUC responsibilities include:
- Review, at least semiannually, the institution's program for the humane care and use of animals;
- Inspect, at least semiannually, the institution's animal facilities (including satellite facilities);
- Prepare reports to the Institutional Official (IO) of the IACUC evaluations;
- Review animal welfare concerns;
- Make recommendations to the IO on any aspect of the animal program, facilities, or personnel training;
- Review and approve, those components of PHS conducted or supported activities related to the care and use of animals;
- Review and approve, proposed significant changes to the use of animals in ongoing activities; and
- Be authorized to suspend an activity involving animals.