To provide for the care, health, and well-being of animals involved in research and education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

To administer to the animal-related needs of university researchers and educators through the dissemination of knowledge and resources

To serve the public by ensuring observance of all legal and ethical standards pertaining to animals in research and education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Things You Need to Know If You’ll Be Working with Animals

1. Animals involved in research and education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee must be included in an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approved protocol.
2. You must take part in the Animal Care Program Certification process and pass the online test before working with any animals. You must also take part in the Occupational Health Program. Individuals who have contact with animals or their tissues must complete the “Animal Care Program Occupational Health Questionnaire” prior to being exposed to the animals or tissues.
3. You must minimize pain and distress in animals by:
   • Being trained in proper animal handling
   • Choosing alternatives to live animals whenever possible
   • Providing proper housing and behavioral needs
   • Following appropriate guidelines for procedures that are likely to cause pain or distress
   • Knowing how to determine if the animal is experiencing pain or distress.
   • Utilizing appropriate anesthetics and analgesics for painful procedures
   • Using aseptic technique and proper procedures when performing surgery
   • Providing appropriate post-procedural care
   • Euthanizing animals using approved methods
4. You must be aware of the various laws and guidelines that affect animal use at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
   • USDA- Animal Welfare Act
   • OLAW-Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
   • AAALAC- the Association for the Accreditation and Assessment of Laboratory Animal Care, Int.
5. Know who to contact for questions about:
   • Completion of Protocol Form: Animal Care Manager
   • Certification Process: Animal Care Manager
   • Animal Ordering: Animal Care Manager
   • Animal Husbandry: Animal Care Manager
   • Animal Care and Use Concerns: Who Can I Contact?

UWM – Milwaukee Animal Care Program Quarterly Newsletters: 

October 2021

January 2022

July 2022

October 2022