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Applying for animal ethics approval

Do I need to apply?

You need approval from the animal care committee (ACC) if you will be:

  • using animals or animal tissue for research or teaching
  • going into the field to observe or collect

You must apply for and receive ethical approval before you begin your study. You will also need to maintain approval during your study/data collection.

How to apply

Ready to submit a new animal use protocol (AUP)

Lab research AUPs

Animal-based research projects conducted in a lab environment (Animal Care facilities and/or researcher lab facilities) or for projects that will combine lab and field components can now submit applications through RAIS.

Field research and teaching AUPs

To apply, you need to complete an AUP application and submit it to the animal ethics liaison. Contact your supervisor for assistance.

Resources:

Expedited minor amendments

The Veterinary Director, Animal Care Services, can approve a minor amendment to an AUP at their discretion, on behalf of the Animal Care Committee. Amendments will be reported to the ACC chair and given final approval at the next ACC meeting.

Example changes

  • source of animal
  • location of animal accommodation or experimental area
  • addition of personnel
  • minor changes in procedures (e.g., tail vein injection to saphenous vein injection, change in anaesthetic drug or route of admonition, substitution of one non-invasive procedure for another, equally non-invasive procedure)
  • Minor change in animal numbers e.g., 10%
Expedited minor amendment form

ACC deadlines & meeting dates

Deadlines for applications
Received by 4:30 p.m.

Meeting dates
Friday, August 25, 2023 Friday, September 15, 2023
Friday, September 22, 2023 Friday, October 13, 2023
Friday, October 20, 2023 Friday, November 10, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023 Friday, December 8, 2023
*Tuesday, January 2, 2024 Friday, January 19, 2024
Friday, January 19, 2024 Friday, February 9, 2024
Friday, February 16, 2024 Friday, March 8, 2024
Friday, March 22, 2024 Friday, April 12, 2024
Friday, April 19, 2024 Friday, May 10, 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024 Friday, June 14, 2024

*To accommodate Holiday closures

2023 Summer Interim Reviews: 

  • July 7, 2023 - Applications due by June 23rd 
  • August 11, 2023 - Applications due by July 28th 

Additional information: ACC Summer Interim Review process memo

Need help?

Email the animal ethics liaison for additional assistance.