About Us

Animal Care and Use Program

As defined by the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the animal care and use program comprises all activities conducted by and WWU that have a direct impact on the well-being of animals, including animal and veterinary care, policies and procedures, personnel and program management and oversight, occupational health and safety, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) functions, and animal facility design and management.

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

The WWU 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(s) and IACUC approval are required prior to using any vertebrate animals as part of research or teaching.

About the IACUC

The 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
• Authorization to suspend an activity involving animals