IACUC Policy for Adoption of Research Animals

Purpose

In accordance with Section 66017.7 of the CA Education Code, this policy establishes the guidelines and criteria for making available for adoption cats owned by the University that have been involved in research, testing, teaching or related activities (“animal use activities”) and are no longer needed for those purposes.

Policy

A University-owned cat that has been used for animal use activities will be made available for adoption as a pet or companion animal when it is no longer needed by the University for animal use activities under the following conditions:

• The Principal Investigator of the animal use activity has determined that euthanasia is not required to complete the specific aims of the activity.
• The animal is in good health, has a suitable temperament, and is suitable for adoption as determined by the Attending Veterinarian.

The usual mechanism for cat adoptions involve identification of an employee or student of the University who wishes to adopt and assume permanent ownership of that animal. If no employee or student of the University is found to adopt the cat, the animal will be offered to an animal adoption organization such as a rescue, foster, or county shelter that agrees to assume full responsibility for the care and welfare of the animal until a permanent home can be found.

The person or organization adopting the animal (adopter) must be able to provide a suitable home for the animal once it leaves the University.

At the discretion of the Attending Veterinarian, the animal may be spayed, neutered, or undergo other surgical procedures required to prepare the animal for adoption.