It happens .... the day arrives .... you need to use animals for research, testing, or teaching at Duke.  But how?  and who? and when? and where?

You have made the first step - you are reading this page.  Now, for the remainder of the steps .....

1.  Prepare an animal use application (protocol),
2.  Assure the health and safety issues are addressed,
3.  Obtain hazards materials use approvals,
4.  Complete the necessary training requirements,
5.  Apply for facility access,
6.  Confirm housing of animals and purchasing of animals.

Now, on to the details, with hotlinks to send you to the required location:

• Animal Use Application (Protocol):  You will need an animal use application BEFORE animals can be ordered or used. 

  • Protocol Form:  The protocol form template can be found by clicking this link.  This link will select the standard protocol template.  For a look at all of of the available protocol or report forms, FORMS AND REPORTS (in the menu on the left).

  • Deadlines:  You can look at the submission dates and deadlines for review by the animal Committee by clicking on this link ... or you can just look on top of any page for the NEXT set of deadlines!

  • Pre-reviews:  If you would like to have your protocol pre-reviewed, click this link to contact the Office of Animal Welfare Assurance for a pre-review.  This is a free service, with the goal to help you get approval for your proposal as soon as possible by submitting a protocol for review that answers all of the important questions.

   

• Occupational Health & Safety Program (OHSP):  The OHSP program at Duke consist of two Offices:

  • Occupational and Environmental Safety (OESO):  This Duke Office reviews all animal protocols and manages the safety aspects on animal use on campus. In certain cases, a further review by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) may be required prior to granting safety 'clearance' for animal work.  You are encouraged to discuss concerns with Dr. Joan Catignani (the animal program's primary contact at OESO) even before submitting your protocol for the IACUC's review.

  • Employee Occupational Health & Wellness (EOHW):  This Duke Office reviews all animal protocols and manages the safety aspects on animal use on campus. To begin this process, download the form titled: " Placement Health Review for Animal Handlers."  Once you have completed the form, send it to  Terri Weddle for the animal handler health review.  You can also call Terri at 919.681.0555.

NOTE:  All personnel on the protocol MUST BE 'cleared' by OESO and EOHW before the IACUC will grant approval for the new protocol or amendment.  It is critically important to check your training record and assure you are current with all Duke safety and health requirements.

NOTE:  PIs can have access to the training status of their laboratory members.  Please contact Cackie Joyner to arrange for access.

If you need further clarification of the requirements or the process, you can contact our the Director, Office of Animal Welfare Assurance (Dr. Ron Banks) by clicking this link.

• Training:  You will need training.  One requirement for ALL new animal users at Duke is the On-Line Orientation Training. 

  • If you KNOW you will need training in other procedures, click this link to discuss your training needs with the Training Coordinator.

  • It may be determined by the IACUC (Duke's animal use committee) that you may need additional training.  While this decision is a Committee decision, you may wish to click this link to ask the Director, Office of Animal Welfare Assurance if he thinks the Committee may require training (and you can get a head start on it)
     

• Coordinate Animal Delivery and Housing:  The animals approved by the IACUC will be held in an approved Duke vivarium and used in approved laboratories.  Certain species or types of animals can be held or used in only certain spaces.  To prepare for proper housing and to initiate delivery arrangements, contact the Operations Manager for the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR). 
   

• Facility Access:  Duke has a number of facilities holding and using animals.  Your access to an animal holding facility is dependent upon:

  • Having an approved protocol;

  • Being enrolled in the OHSP;

  • Having completed the required facility specific training (arrange through DLAR).
     

• Other Questions:  Any questions not answered by this page can be sent to the Assistant Director, Office of Animal Welfare Assurance.

For more information on the Duke animal care and use program, click here.  At any time you may review the menu on the left to guide your path through the web site.