Practical Management of Research Animal Care and Use Programs

This book provides a complete guide to all the aspects to consider during planning, establishing and managing ethically and efficiently research animal care and use programs, taking into account all stakeholders involved in the process. Practical information on how to address the general and particular needs of all animal care and use program areas is provided. Consequently, the reader is supported with getting their project ethically and legally compliant, and implemented efficiently with organizing safe and appropriate facilities and equipment as well as hiring sufficiently trained personnel. Furthermore, strategies for impactful internal and external communication are outlined.

Responsible use of animals in research can be nothing but teamwork. The environment and professional experience of all involved stakeholders are the key for ensuring quality science, as well as animal and personnel welfare.

Research animal care and use programs represent a complex system in which animals, legislation and good practices, facility personnel and researchers interact on a daily basis. Thoughtful planning from the first step ensures animal welfare and improves the quality of in vivo experimentation. This book addresses animal program managers, veterinarians, researchers and technicians working in research animal facilities.

Chapter 18 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.