Accreditation
The University of Michigan (U-M) Animal Care & Use Program operates in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations that govern the responsible, humane use of animals in research and instruction.
These rules and regulations, in addition to numerous University policies, standards, and guidelines, are in place to ensure that all animals used in research and instruction under University auspices are provided with the best possible treatment and care under their particular circumstances.
At the U-M, the Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee (IACUC), with assistance from the Animal Care & Use Office, is responsible for assuring that all projects adhere to University policies and federal laws.
In addition to adhering to the standards governing laboratory animal care and use, the U-M’s Animal Care & Use Program is accredited by AAALAC International, a private non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary program assessments and subsequent accreditation.
A brief summary of the federal rules and regulations that govern the responsible care and use of vertebrate animals, including cephalopods, in research and instruction at the U-M are outlined below:
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare is a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the regulating body for all activities funded by the federal government, including the NIH and National Science Foundation (NSF). OLAW’s primary standards are the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy), and the Guide for the Care and Use of Animals (The Guide).
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service oversees activities involving the use of vertebrate animals at government-registered research institutions. The USDA receives its authority through federal law (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7 and 9). Veterinary Medical Officers enforcing the 7 and 9 CFRs inspect research organizations at least annually.
Specific Funding Sources & Research Sponsors
Specific funding sources, such as the Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and foundations, may require additional rules and regulations. Institutions receiving money from these organizations are responsible for following all other requirements for the humane care and treatment of any vertebrate animal used in field or laboratory research and educational training.
Related A-Z Documents
Questions?
If you would like to know more about how U-M’s Animal Care & Use Program is accredited, please contact the Animal Care & Use Office at [email protected] or (734) 763-8028.