THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH

ANIMAL RESEARCH AND CARE

Frequently Asked Questions About Animal Research and Care at UCSF

7. Who cares for the animals?

There are over 150 animal care staff members, including five veterinarians, 14 veterinary nurses, seven specialists and about 125 husbandry staff. Animals are monitored seven days a week.

Compliance of humane standards is assessed daily, with a team of IACUC staff, veterinarians and technicians randomly auditing laboratories.

UCSF receives regular, unannounced visits by a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspector, and twice a year the IACUC inspects every room where animals are studied.

Several mechanisms are in place for reporting any concerns about animal care, including the preference to remain anonymous. All concerns are addressed and remedial actions taken as necessary.

The surgical procedures for animals resemble the same high quality standards that are in place for human patients, with monitoring equipment and sterile techniques used in the surgery areas, and anesthetics and painkillers used for post-operative recovery.

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