IACUC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Research

The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) is a regulatory body that oversees and ensures the humane treatment of animals used in research, teaching, and testing. Its primary role is to ensure compliance with federal, state, and institutional guidelines regarding the ethical use of animals in research.
The IACUC is mandated by the Animal Welfare Act and the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. It ensures that institutions meet ethical standards and legal requirements for the humane care and use of animals in research and education.
The IACUC is composed of scientists, veterinarians, non-scientists, and community members unaffiliated with the institution. This diverse membership ensures comprehensive oversight of animal care and use.

Yes, all research, testing, teaching or exhibition involving live vertebrate animals, including free-living animals (wildlife field and observational studies) must be reviewed and approved by the IACUC before the project begins. This ensures compliance with ethical and regulatory standards. �ϻ�� IACUC also requires completion of paper work when utilizing animal tissues or naturally shed samples in research.
Protocols are submitted via the institution’s online protocol management system, .
Review times can vary depending on the type and complexity of the protocol. Typically, the review process takes 4-6 weeks, but submitting a complete and thorough application can help expedite the process. Please see the IACUC Protocol Review and Requirements webpage for more information.
If the protocol is not approved, the IACUC will provide detailed feedback, including required revisions. Researchers can resubmit their protocols after addressing the committee’s concerns.

The IACUC oversees all research involving live vertebrate animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Specific exclusions may apply to invertebrates. Please see Types of Animal Protocols webpage for more information.
The institution follows the , the , and PHS Policy to ensure animals receive proper housing, care, and humane treatment.
Animals are monitored by trained personnel and veterinary staff to ensure their well-being. Pain, distress, or discomfort must be minimized through appropriate care, analgesics, or other interventions.

Yes, all personnel involved in animal research must complete mandatory training in animal care and use. Training topics include proper handling, ethics, and specific procedural techniques. For researchers needing access to campus and satellite facilities training is required to maintain GriCard access. Please see Training Requirement webpage for more information.
Non-compliance with IACUC policies or federal regulations is taken seriously. The IACUC will investigate the matter, and appropriate corrective actions will be implemented. Severe cases may result in suspension of the research. If you concerned or have an animal welfare concern please report HERE.

Yes, the IACUC conducts regular reviews and inspections of active protocols, facilities, and animal welfare. Annual or semi-annual updates are often required to maintain approval.
Animal welfare concerns can be reported anonymously to the IACUC office, institutional hotline, or designated compliance officers. The institution ensures confidentiality and investigates all reports.
The completion of the Adverse Events Form is mandatory for the reporting of any unforeseen or negative incident impacting animals involved in research, testing, or educational activities, this includes wildlife/field studies. The Adverse Event Form should be completed and submitted within 24 hours of observing the event.

The IACUC office offers templates, training materials, and consultation services. You can also refer to external resources such as the or reach out �ϻ��s Attending Veterinarian.
For any protocol-related questions, contact the IACUC office at IACUC@mso.umt.edu.
The �ϻ�� PI is responsible for the work with live animals that is conducted as part of her/his university research and for ensuring that such research is compliant with �ϻ�� applicable regulations and policies. Therefore, such projects are subject to review and approval by the �ϻ�� IACUC. Please see �ϻ��s policy on performing research with CROs for more information.