Each academic department has a Departmental Animal Research Officer (DARO) appointed by and reporting to the department chair. The central responsibility of the DARO is to provide documented assurance to the chair that practices of department personnel, both faculty and staff, that relate to animal welfare are in accord with the National Institutes of Health, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care regulations, as well as in compliance with University rules and regulations regarding the use of laboratory animals. The DARO is available to meet and consult with principal investigators and their staff to assist researchers in compliance with the requirements of the Guide and the Act through peer review and guidance. To be prepared for this task, the DARO receives support and information from the veterinarians, the IACUC, and other University staff on the responsible care and use of research animals as stated in the Guide, the Policy, and Principles, and the Animal Welfare Act.

The DARO is authorized to enter any and all laboratories in the department and give counsel on appropriate practices with regard to the care and use of animals. The DARO is present during the IACUC’s inspection of departmental animal facilities to act as liaison between the inspectors and the investigators. The DARO works with the LAR veterinarians in assisting faculty should deficiencies be found during laboratory inspections. Similarly, the DARO is expected to consult with the Director of LAR or IACUC Chair to resolve any matters discovered during discussions with department investigators.

In addition, the DARO will facilitate the training program and the Occupational Health Program by acting as a source of information about these subjects.

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List of DAROs (restricted to UTHSCSA users)

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