Guidance on Satellite Housing of Animals (Companion to UW Policy UW-4101)

See policy UW-4101, for more instructions.

Physical Requirements for Satellite Housing of Animals:

• Confirmation of at least 10 complete air changes per hour in the housing room (excluding aquatic species)
• Temperature range for housing of animals that conforms to the Guide for Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• An automated 24-hour system of monitoring temperature, with a notification feature if range is exceeded
• Species-appropriate light:dark cycle
• Proper storage of feed and water
• Suitable physical security of the housing area

Training Requirements for Laboratory Personnel Caring for Animals:

• Initial training of laboratory personnel by RARC and/or animal care staff members is required. Training topics are:
  • Appropriate husbandry practices for the species being housed, including required daily health-checks and proper documentation of husbandry procedures
  • Animal care requirements for weekends, holidays, and campus closures
  • Sick animal reporting methods
• Training of new staff by experienced lab personnel must be completed and documented prior to new staff providing care for animals in laboratory housing

Occupational Health and Safety Requirements:

• Appropriate procedures to prevent exposure to dangerous chemicals, biohazards, or radiation
• Appropriate caging and practices to minimize allergen exposure

Veterinary Access Requirements:

• Veterinary staff will have access to animals in laboratory housing to allow for inspection and health assessment
  • A laboratory representative must be available to be on site at the housing location at veterinary direction
• Regular veterinary staff monitoring will occur for laboratories that house animals for more than 24 consecutive hours.

Updated 04/14/2023