Washington State University

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

Acclimation and Stabilization of Animals
Used for Research or Teaching

A. Purpose

To clarify minimum acclimation periods for animals.

B. Principle

To ensure that new arrival animals are provided an adequate acclimation period to allow them to stabilize to their new environment.

C. Scope

This applies to all animals involved in teaching, testing, and research at WSU and satellite facilities.

D. Policy Statement

All new arrival animals are to be provided the minimum acclimation periods described in this policy.

E. Requirements

Listed below are the minimum acclimation periods for animals newly received at WSU. Adequate acclimation times vary depending on type of animal, source, method and length of transport to WSU and nature of research. Investigators are strongly encouraged to allow additional time for animals to stabilize to their new environment. Questions regarding acclimation can be directed to the Office of the Campus Veterinarian at 335-6246. Exceptions to this policy must be described and justified on your Animal Subjects Approval Form and approved by the IACUC. Failure to allow animals to acclimatize properly could adversely impact animal health and research data.

F. Acclimation Periods

1. Rodent Species Acclimation period of three days (72 hours).
2. Non-Rodent Species Acclimation period of one week (7 days).

Amended & Approved by WSU-IACUC on July 29^th, 2009