All animal users are required to complete animal care training before commencing animal-based studies. This is a requirement of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and is overseen by the Animal Care Committee, and Animal Care and Veterinary Resources.

The training program has three stages:

1. Online modules for theoretical training;
2. Facility orientation combined with basic handling
3. Advanced skills (if required)

Online Modules for Theoretical Training

The online modules follow the CCAC's National Institutional Animal User Training program. All animal users are required to complete the Core modules: Ethics of Animal Experimentation; Occupational Health and Safety; and the Three R's of Humane Animal Experimentation.

Additional modules from the Animals and Housing Systems Streams may be required, depending on responsibilities of the individual animal user. These advanced modules provide and include topics such as analgesia, anesthesia, and environmental enrichment. Fish, Wildlife and Farm Animal species are also covered.

All animal users must be listed on an approved protocol. Certificates of completion of online training are issued by the Animal Care Committee Coordinator and are transferable between most Canadian post-secondary institutions.

Registration: Please visit the self-registration site

Please note: the CCAC has recently restructured its program and we are currently working to update materials to match the new content. Please ignore any quiz that does not match to the three current CCAC Core Modules and seven Animals Held in Vivaria Modules.

Facility Orientation and Basic Training

Topics covered include facility entry requirements, biosecurity, personal protective equipment (PPE), material handling and storage, and facility security.

Registration: Email ambakwe@mun.ca to register for Facility Orientation and Basic Training.

In advance of participating in the facility orientation and undertaking hands-on training, all animal users are required to:

1. Complete the required online training modules
2. Read the protocol on which they will be working (Principal Investigators will have written the protocol)

Advanced Training

Specialized skills are taught by principal investigators or senior laboratory members. Veterinary professionals are available to instruct various surgical methods and to assist in developing skills in tissue handling and surgical techniques.

Further information: Contact acs@mun.ca.

Continuing Education

On occasion, Animal Care Services will coordinate webinar presentations delivered by academic or industry partners. Notification will be distributed to Principal Investigators, and posted in the facilities.