Restrictions: The DLAR animal housing and research space is not public space; therefore, access is limited to personnel with express need to enter. Visitors may have access to animal housing and use areas only by authorization of the Director of DLAR and concurrence of appropriate departmental chairs or Health Science Center officials. Visitors must be accompanied by the responsible investigator. Children under 16 years old are not permitted in the animal quarters. This is an important public health requirement, and it is also necessary to protect the laboratory animals from certain infectious diseases. Photography and video taping are not permitted in DLAR except by special arrangement with the Director.

Procedures can be conducted on animals only by qualified investigators who have an approved protocol in place and who can demonstrate participation in the Institutional Training Program and the Occupational Health Program. The principal investigator is responsible for the importance of a study, the propriety of the techniques used, and the overall well-being of the animal being used. The University is required to share this responsibility; therefore, it requires demonstration of training and protocol review to help ensure compliance with the various regulatory requirements. No student may perform an operation on animals without the personal supervision of a faculty member or a competent authorized assistant.

Under no condition may animals be removed from the campus for studies without written authorization of the chair of the department involved and DLAR. Movement of animals internally must be done with dignity and proper technique. Animals must be transported in transfer equipment appropriate to the species involved to prevent escape or injury to the animal or personnel. Anesthetized animals should be transported in devices suitable to prevent escape or injury should the animal awaken. Such animals should be accessible for observation, and care should be taken to ensure a patent airway. Animals should be draped so that they are concealed from public view during transport. The animals welfare is of overriding concern during transport as well as during routine activities. Highly skilled technical support can be provided to investigators on a negotiable fee-for-service basis. Please contact the DLAR administrative offices for details.

Library: The DLAR maintains an extensive collection of veterinary textbooks, laboratory animal reference books, journals, and periodicals for use by the faculty, staff, and students of the UTHSCSA. This library can be a valuable resource for researchers using animal models in their studies. The collection has been developed over many years and is updated as appropriate material becomes available. This library is open during normal working hours.

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