The 4 key elements to an institution’s preparedness are: An animal program of impeccable integrity A security program based on risk assessment An integrated communication plan with descriptions of research projects in lay terminology, spokespersons, & a phone tree An internal and external community outreach program Also see: How NIH Can Help

Be Prepared

1. An animal program of impeccable integrity

• a properly constituted and functioning Institutional Animal Care and use Committee (IACUC);
• procedures for self monitoring;
• an adequate veterinary care program;
• an occupational health and safety program (not required under the AWA)
• a personnel training program
• an environment, housing and management program for animals; and
• appropriately maintained facilities for housing and support.”
  >>More in the ARENA/OLAW Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook Section A.2.

Further resources:

An animal program of impeccable integrity requires constant care, evaluation, and thoughtfulness. There are a variety of federal and non-federal resources that can help institutions and investigators realize the best possible programs and practices, including:

• Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW): NIH office that oversees grantee adherence to the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy), and provides extensive links to Federal policies, regulations, guidelines, and other information to help animal programs strive for excellence.
• Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC): promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.
• Institute for Laboratory Animal Research (ILAR): prepares authoritative reports on subjects of importance to the animal care and use community; develops and makes scientific and technical information on laboratory animals and other biological resources.
  

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