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Animal user training

Researchers and animal care staff at HÂþ»­ must attend mandatory training sessions.

The committee encourages continuing education of animal care staff through short courses, workshops, seminars and self-instructive electronic media in order to increase knowledge of new or updated procedures and ethical issues.

Certification

All principal investigators, post-docs, grad/undergrad students and technical staff at HÂþ»­ must successfully complete a written certification exam before beginning their animal work. This also applies to any instructors for courses using animals, even if they are not the principal investigator listed on the protocol.

There are 3 streams for certification:

  • Lab animals and lab birds

  • Fish

  • Wildlife

If you have questions, are seeking ethics certification, or would like to register for training, please contactÌýDr. Jennifer Devitt. Please include the name of your lab’s PI, your position in the lab, and the species with which you will be working.

Practical training

As well as receiving a certification number, there is a mandatory practical training requirement for all personnel involved in animal handling or experimental manipulations.Ìý This training must be documented and must be completed before participating in the animal research protocol.Ìý The practical training required will be dependent upon the procedures approved in individual Animal Use Protocols.

Anyone working with live animals must attend the Recommended Technical Procedures workshop. Additional practical training may be required.

Workshops are offered on an on-going basis throughout the year.

Practical training workshopsÌý

  • The Mouse: Recommended Technical Procedures
  • The Rat: Recommended Technical Procedures
  • Introduction to Anesthesia
  • Introduction to Aseptic Surgical Technique I and II
  • Introduction to Fish in Research

Ìý

For more information regarding practical training, please contactÌýDr. Jennifer Devitt: jennifer.devitt@dal.ca.

Certificates from other universities

Individuals with a valid certificate from other Canadian Universities should contactÌýDr. Jennifer Devitt for further information.