Animal Care and Use Program
At The University of Texas at Austin, the study of animals is an essential part of scientists’ efforts to better understand health and disease. The knowledge gained is critical to the development of safe and effective treatments and vaccines for debilitating conditions and deadly diseases.
Laboratory animals have organs and body systems similar to humans and other animals. In many cases, they are susceptible to the same diseases that affect humans. Because of this, the data derived from research on these animals can be applied directly to humans and to other animals as well.
While not all biomedical research involves the use of animals, animals are essential in many areas. The short life span of research animals allows scientists to study them throughout the entire life cycle—and even through several generations—within a short period of time.
It is the University’s policy to ensure the care and use of animals for research, teaching and testing is done in accordance with applicable federal and state laws or regulations (HOP 7-1310). The research carried out by UT aims to advance knowledge in important biological systems, and it seeks to identify novel targets for the development of therapies and diagnostics applicable to addiction, cancers, Alzheimer’s disease, autism and many other diseases or disorders.
Find information on IACUC review procedures and semiannual inspections, as well as meetings and fees.
Find information and support on all issues related to the care and use of vertebrate animals utilized as part of the research and teaching activities of the University.
Find forms, procedures, checklists and other documents related to care and use of animals in research.
The use of animals in research, testing and teaching is subject to a multitude of laws, policies, regulations and standards.
Find resources to assist faculty, staff and students in performing vertebrate animal procedures in a humane manner and complying with pertinent regulatory requirements.
Reporting Animal Welfare Concerns
UT’s policy is to provide the best possible care to ALL animals used for research, teaching and testing. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is obligated to investigate concerns regarding the care and treatment of animals used in research, teaching or testing at UT Austin.
Concerns about animal care and use should be reported to any of the following:
Attending Veterinarian
(512) 232-3487 or attendingvet@austin.utexas.edu
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(512) 471-8871 or iacuc@austin.utexas.edu
University Compliance Services
Report anonymously online
Phone: English 877-507-7321
Español 800-216-1288
Email: compliance@austin.utexas.edu
Individual(s) reporting concerns do not have to identify themselves, and the University will protect the privacy of those who report concerns to the maximum extent possible. The concerned, reporting party is protected from discrimination. The policy of the University is to prohibit unlawful retaliation against employees as a consequence of good faith actions in the reporting of, or the participation in an investigation pertaining to, allegations of wrongdoing.
Whistleblower posters should be posted in animal use areas, including satellite facilities. English and Spanish versions can be found on the IACUC Forms & Documents page.
For media inquiries, please email ResearchComms@austin.utexas.edu
Animal Care Alerts and Guideline Updates
Transition to UTRMS for eProtocol and eAnimal
Important communications and upcoming dates regarding the transition from eProtocol IACUC to UTRMS-IACUC on February 24, 2025, and from eAnimal Ordering to UTRMS-AOps on March 10, 2025.
September 26, 2024: Countdown to AAALAC Issue 2
The second issue in a series of focused flyers which contains information about the upcoming AAALAC site visit and tips on how the prepare your lab. Contact the IACUC office if you have any questions.
Notice of Mobile Sharpening Unit Coming to ARC on October 9th and 10th
Review this flyer for details about the next mobile sharpening unit visit to the ARC. Contact the ARC if you have any questions.
PHS Animal Welfare Assurance Number:
D16-00592 (A4107-01)
AAALAC Accredited Since October 29, 2001
USDA Class R Research Facility
Customer ID: 1453
Certificate: 74-R-0029