Comparative Medicine

Florida Atlantic University acknowledges the significant contribution of teaching and research with animals to the advancement of scientific knowledge in general and biomedical progress specifically. Animal research is intrinsically involved and important in gaining basic biological understanding and specific medical improvements.

 

Aaalac International Logo

Accreditation #001742

The Mission of Comparative Medicine is threefold.

  • Provide state of the art animal care in order to promote the health and well-being of animals used in research, testing and teaching in a manner consistent with animal welfare regulations and policies.
  • Facilitate high quality animal research while being a resource for research staff on all issues relating to laboratory animals including humane treatment and judicious use of animals as well as further knowledge and skills.
  • Ensure trust of the Public at Large in the ethical and humane use of animals in research and teaching.

The Vision of Comparative Medicine to accomplish the above Mission includes:

  • High quality animal care based on knowledge and skills in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Motivated, qualified and competent employees who exert responsibility and accountability upheld by a supportive management team.
  • Great service department that helps facilitating high quality scientific endeavors while ensuring ethical and humane conduct of research with animals.

Animal welfare concerns are a top priority in Comparative Medicine, an advocate for animals involved in research and teaching at Florida Atlantic University. Anybody concerned about the well-being of animals enrolled in research studies at FAU is encouraged to report animal welfare concerns immediately as those arise. It is morally imperative to preserve the welfare of animals.
Anesthesia and Analgesia are important means to prevent and/or alleviate discomfort, pain and distress.
Environmental Enrichment adds to the complexity of the environment and encourages intellectual and physical stimulation of animals.
Per Diems and Service Fees are updated at least yearly. Researchers will be informed in advance when changes occur. Comparative Medicine is striving to announce per diems and service fees early enough to allow regular increases at an inflation rate to be incorporated into your grant applications.
Animal Orders, Drug/Supply Orders and all other orders must be placed via the VSATS database. Be detailed about the particular item and indicate the preferred delivery date.
Controlled Substances regulated by the DEA must be indicated in an approved IACUC protocol and ordered with VS. Exemptions need to be discussed with the Attending Veterinarian.
Approved vendors should be used for animal procurement or risk a more stringent review of health records and in all likelihood quarantine of animals.
The Animal Health Surveillance program includes an array of measures to exclude and contain if necessary advantageous infections.
Security Access to Facilities will be granted when all training required by the IACUC has been completed and the new animal protocol or an amendment adding the person to a particular protocol(s) is approved by the IACUC.
Training of personnel working with animals in research and teaching is a regulatory mandate and requirement for FAU personnel set forth by the IACUC.
The Training Calendar offers recurring didactic training classes, sign up on the calendar.
Relocations or Transfers of animals between facilities/rooms or protocols have to be requested via VSATS. Comparative Medicine will be responsible for the physical movement and the adjustment of animal numbers in your protocol(s).
Shipment Requests for animals either from or to another institution (i.e. import and export) will be organized by Comparative Medicine staff. Complete the associated form in VSATS.
Contact us if any questions arise or you need support in any of your animal model related activities.