The Office of Animal Care and Use (OACU) oversees the University’s use of animals in scientific investigation and instruction. The OACU has two key functions in ensuring the humane and appropriate use of animals: managing the compliance activities of the University of Georgia's Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and administering the research support functions of University Research Animal Resources (URAR). Through these activities the OACU ensures that optimal care and facilities are provided for all research animals, including the provision of professional and technical assistance, staff training and consultation on research and protocol development.

The URAR animal care and use program is accredited by AAALAC International (Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care), is licensed by the USDA, and maintains an Assurance of Compliance with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

OACU Training Modules Available Online

Both OACU mandatory training modules, “IACUC 101” and “Staying Healthy while Working with Laboratory Animals,” should now be accessed through the AALAS Learning Library. Both modules are required for researchers and their staff members who are conducting work with research animals.

The AALAS Learning Library can be accessed at aalaslearninglibrary.org. If you do not have a Username and Password, please contact Lisa Kelly, Training Coordinator, at lmkelly@uga.edu or 706-583-0816. It is not necessary to create an individual account on the Learning Library. The University of Georgia sponsors AALAS Learning Library accounts for all of their users.”

• Technician of the Quarter Award