Prioritization of Animals

If a disaster limits viable housing and resources, the ACP-LAB (formerly DAR) director and/or veterinarians will assess animal colonies to determine priority status affecting distribution of resources. Factors to consider include:

Species

• Dogs
• Cats
• Agricultural species
• Rabbits
• Rodents
• Non-mammal (fish, frog, reptile)

Value

• Ability to replace animals—unique species or genotype
• Duration of study
• Availability of study materials

Vulnerability

• Environmental extremes
• Security

Transport

• Ability to relocate

Hazards

• Containment practices

Consultation with Research Personnel

When possible, principal investigators or personnel named on an animal use protocol will be consulted when animals are not severely injured and/or suffering but that a ACP-LAB veterinarian believes cannot be cared for under the circumstances and/or should no longer be maintained as a research, testing or teaching animal.

Provision of First Aid or Treatment to Animals

ACP-LAB veterinarians—or animal care or research staff under the direction of a ACP-LAB veterinarian—may proceed with first aid or treatment of animals that are injured but do not require euthanasia.