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:

• AUP application help sheet
• AUP annual Review Form
• field researchers FAQ
• All animal ethics resources (filter by subject area)
  
• For the AUP application forms for research or teaching please email the animal ethics liaison.

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