Getting Started

Animal Care and Use Program

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Additional Resources

Resources for Researchers
Student Research
Required Trainings
ACAUP Site Navigation

Contact Us

researchintegrity@wwu.edu

360-650-3334

Report a Concern

Do You Need IACUC Review?

Federal animal welfare regulations, U.S. Public Health Service Policy, and WWU Policy require that all activities involving the use of live vertebrate animals in research, research training, teaching, experimentation, biological testing or related purposes be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

The scope of WWU research and teaching activities that involve animals is potentially wide ranging. Sometimes the need for IACUC review isn't clear and will depend on several variables.

IACUC approval must be obtained before initiating any research, testing or instructional project involving the use of live vertebrate animals (includes mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles). IACUC approval must also be obtained when:

  • Animals are purchased or euthanized for the sole purpose of obtaining tissues
  • Projects use animals that are not directly purchased (e.g., wild trapping, in-house breeding, field observation)
  • Before a person can touch or work with vertebrate animals or have access to the animal facilities, they must first be listed on an approved IACUC Protocol or amended onto an approved IACUC Protocol. 

When in doubt, please ask!

For assistance determining whether or not your planned research or teaching activity requires review, reach out to us.

Review Timelines

Visit the review timelines page for details about current estimated review times, information about review during the summer and university breaks, and tips for efficient review.

Your specific protocol or modification review timeline can vary depending on the completeness, clarity of the submission, and complexity of the procedures.

Veterinary Consults Available for Projects in Development

PIs are encouraged to request a virtual consultation with the Attending Veterinarian (AV) early in their protocol or major modification development. 

We strongly recommend that researchers reach out early to share upcoming animal research/teaching ideas that are in the ideation stage (like when you are applying for funding). A brief conversation with us about your ideas and plans can help us provide specific initial guidance for a well written and complete protocol that moves through the IACUC review process efficiently. Note: These consultations will not take the place of pre-review (steps 3-5 of the protocol and major modification review process). Appointments must be scheduled in advance and are not available the same day as the request is sent. 

Contact us to request an appointment.

Overview of IACUC Protocol Lifecycle

A detailed explanation of the IACUC review processes is available.

Protocol Review

  1. Principal Investigator (PI) submits protocol, required training certificate(s), and any other additional materials to researchintegrity@wwu.edu.
  2. Research Integrity and Compliance staff read through submission to make sure all materials have been received.
  3. Protocol routes for pre-review (completed by IACUC veterinarian and an IACUC member)
  4. Protocol shared with committee for their review and determination if they would like to proceed with a full committee review (a meeting) or designated member review (DMR) (via email).
  5. DMR or Full committee review.
  6. Facility Inspection for animal research spaces.
  7. IACUC determination issued to PI via email.

Protocol Modifications

Modifications can fall into two categories: major modifications and minor modifications. For a more elaborated explanation of the two types of modifications see Protocol Management.

Major Modification*

  1. PI submits protocol modification to researchintegrity@wwu.edu.
  2. Research Integrity and Compliance staff read through submission to make sure all materials have been received.
  3. Modification (and original protocol) routed for pre-review (completed by IACUC veterinarian and IACUC member).
  4. Modification (and original protocol) shared with committee for their review and determination if they would like to proceed with a full committee review (a meeting) or designated member review (DMR) (via email).
  5. DMR or Full committee review.
  6. IACUC protocol modification determination issued to PI via email.

Minor Modification*

  1. PI submits protocol modification to researchintegrity@wwu.edu.
  2. Research Integrity and Compliance staff read through submission to make sure all materials have been received.
  3. Staff review modification (and original protocol).
  4. IACUC protocol modification determination issued to PI via email.

*Modifications do NOT extend the end date/expiration date of the protocol.

Continuing Oversight

Semi-Annual Facility Inspections

Animal welfare regulations require that IACUC inspects animal research facilities every six months. The committee members will review regular housing facilities, PI labs, procedure rooms, and transport vehicles. See Preparing for IACUC Facility Inspection for more details. 

Adverse Events

Report any adverse events issues that arise in your research as soon as possible. Our staff are here to guide you through next steps. Misuse or mistreatment of animals and any other non-compliance concerns should also be reported.

Renewal/Extension (Triennial Review)

Triennial review is a complete (de novo) IACUC review of the previously approved protocol every three years that is federally required every three years to receive continued approval of ongoing activities on the protocol. The PI will receive an email when it is time to complete the de novo submission process.

Closure

Notify researchintegrity@wwu.edu when your research is complete so that the protocol file can be closed.