Animal Use Protocols

AUP Submission

Anyone who wishes to use live animals in research or teaching at Western and its affiliates must submit an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) to Western's Animal Care Committee (ACC) via the online Cayuse Animal Oversight system. 

Contact the Office of the ACC if you are a new, eligible candidate to receive instructions on the process for submitting an AUP (acc@uwo.ca).

System Access Requirements

Cayuse system access is limited to Principal Investigators, personnel identified within their Animal Use Protocols, Animal Care Committee reviewers and institutional support roles associated with the Animal Ethics and Care Program. 

  • For Western users, select the Cayuse Login link under 'Related Links.'  
  • For current users from affiliated institutions, use the link in the sign-up email sent.

 

Form Submission Requirements

 The AUP Form Review Processes for Principal Investigators is a quick reference identifying:

  • Requirements by type of form - Full, AUP Modifications (Major, Minor), Annual Renewal
  • Overall review and approval process
  • AUP preparations and submission tips

 

AUP Facilitations

Before submitting an AUP at Western, please contact the Office of the Animal Care Committee (ACC) via acc@uwo.ca  to request an AUP Facilitation.  Benefits of undergoing an online AUP Facilitation include:

  • Dedicated time with an ACC Coordinator/Officer with experience in understanding ACC reviewer expectations and form-related contents
  • Dedicated time with other expert support personnel,
    • an Institutional Veterinarian with expertise in animal care and welfare who can provide guidance on animal-related procedures, monitoring, and interventions.
    • the Animal Research Safety Consultant with expertise in both animal-based science and human safety who can facilitate associated Western-specific OHS processes.
    • the Laboratory Animal Facility Supervisor with expertise in animal husbandry operations and knowledge re. facility-level housing and use locations.
  • Proactive AUP refinement that contributes to more efficient and effective reviews by the ACC.

Related Guidance Documents

Top 10 Tips for Full AUPs

Top 10 Tips for AUP Modifications

  

Related AUP Policies

Animal Use Protocols - POL-002-A - Full AUP scope, review & approval determination, post-approval requirements, AUP transfers, AUP reporting

Annual Renewals - POL-002-B - Scope, submission requirements, review & approval determination

AUP Modifications - POL-002-C - Scope, Modification Types (Major, Minor), review & approval determination

Pilot Studies - POL-002-D - Pilot determination, Pilot AUP development, requirements for undertaking a Pilot Study (pre, during, post) 

Breeding AUPs - POL-002-E - Stock breeding vs. Experimental AUP criteria