General animal resources

Animal research is conducted in specially equipped and secured areas of the Psychological and Brain Sciences and MSB-II Buildings, with all of the required health and safety features of a modern animal research facility (e.g., ventilators, cage washers, etc.). A full-time animal caretaker is on staff to manage the facility.

Vivarium

The Laboratory Animal Resources unit maintains a secured, 6,300 square foot animal facility in the basement of MSB-II. Animal housing occupies 3,800 square feet, and 2,500 square feet is for support resources such as cage cleaning, surgery, procedure rooms, food/bedding storage, and office space. The facility is maintained by a staff of full-time animal caretakers and is supervised by Dr. Peper, DVM.

Veterinary staff is available seven days per week. Our Department of Comparative Medicine, in coordination with our Animal Care Committee, is responsible for the health and care of all animals used in university teaching and research. They are licensed by the USDA, accredited by AAALAC, and adhere strictly to the animal welfare guidelines established by the NIH.