The 4 key elements to an institution’s preparedness are: An animal program of impeccable integrity A security program based on risk assessment An integrated communication plan with descriptions of research projects in lay terminology, spokespersons, & a phone tree An internal and external community outreach program Also see: How NIH Can Help

Be Prepared

1. An animal program of impeccable integrity

• a properly constituted and functioning Institutional Animal Care and use Committee (IACUC);
• procedures for self monitoring;
• an adequate veterinary care program;
• an occupational health and safety program (not required under the AWA)
• a personnel training program
• an environment, housing and management program for animals; and
• appropriately maintained facilities for housing and support.”
  
  >>More in the ARENA/OLAW Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Guidebook Section A.2.

Additional Resources:

An animal program of impeccable integrity requires constant care, evaluation, and thoughtfulness. There are a variety of federal and non-federal resources that can help institutions and investigators realize the best possible programs and practices, including:

• Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW): NIH office that oversees grantee adherence to the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (PHS Policy), and provides extensive links to Federal policies, regulations, guidelines, and other information to help animal programs strive for excellence.
• Various non-Federal organizations promote humane treatment of animals, develop scientific reports on the topic, and even provide voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.

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