About 

The Office of Animal Welfare at University of Virginia is responsible for ensuring that animal research is conducted in the most humane manner possible and in full compliance with all relevant regulations and policies. The University prides itself on its animal care and use program and strives for research excellence while fully utilizing the 3 R's of animal alternatives. 

Formal training in the care and use of research animals is an integral component of our animal research program. In order to meet this need, the Office of Animal Welfare has developed a multi-component program consisting of classroom seminars, web-based training, hands-on workshops and individualized training as needed.

Online Training

Becoming an Approved Animal Handler

For an infographic on the steps to becoming an Approved Animal Handler, click HERE. 

  1. Before starting training, you must have your UVA Computing ID & NetBadge credentials and have been added to an IACUC protocol as an Animal Handler.
  2. Complete Required Training:
  • UVA Orientation to the Animal Care and Use Program (Part 1) (online)
  • Navigating the Animal Care and Use Program (must complete Part 1 to schedule) (virtual seminar)*
  • Working Safely with Animals (online) 
  • Training specific to species and protocol (online) 

*The virtual seminar does not need to be completed prior to becoming "approved," however must be complete within 60 days of being approved.  If you fail to complete the seminar within 60 days, you will be removed from the protocol and no longer permitted to work with animals until the requirement is fulfilled.

  1. Complete other actions, such as the Occupational Health Evaluation to be determined "OK FOR WORK."

Other Required and Optional Online Training 

Once you are an Approved Animal Handler, you may need additional training to gain vivarium access and/or be approved to work with specific species or conduct certain procedures.

  • UVA Large Animal Surgery (required for all Animal Handlers performing survival surgery on non-rodent mammals).
  • UVA Refresher for Animal Handlers & UVA Refresher for PIs (required every 3 years from the date you completed the Orientation Seminar).
  • UVA Animal Facility - Animal Rules and Procedures (required for any Animal Handler prior to requesting access to a Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) managed animal facility).
  • UVA Animal Facility - Animal Biosafety Level 2 Procedures (required for any Animal Handler that has been approved to work with ABSL-2 agents and requires access to ABSL-2 areas located within a Center for Comparative Medicine (CCM) managed animal facility).
  • Species-Specific Training Modules

Take Online Training

Click here to learn how to access and complete online training modules.

Animal Research Orientation Seminar

A two-step mandatory seminar consisting of the UVA Orientation to the Animal Care and Use online module and a virtual seminar.

In-Person Training 

The following Workshops are offered in-person.  

Rodent Handling and Injection

This 1-hour class is offered monthly and covers basic restraint, subcutaneous (SQ) and intraperitoneal (IP) injections in mice and rats through demonstration and hands-on training. It is an excellent class for new animal handlers or animal handlers who need a refresher for basic handling and injection techniques.

Rodent Biomethodology

This 3-hour class covers basic restraint and biomethodology of mice and rats, through demonstration and hands-on training. This workshop covers the same skills as the Rodent Handling and Injection workshop plus several other injection routes, blood withdrawal, oral gavage, and identification methods. It is an excellent opportunity to learn and practice basic techniques for working with rodents, and can serve as a refresher course for those who have not performed hands-on work in a few years.

Rodent Anesthesia and Analgesia

This 3-hour class covers the principles of rodent anesthesia and analgesia, as well as peri-operative monitoring of physiological parameters, and pre- and post-operative care. Participants should be comfortable in handling and restraining mice and rats, as well as techniques such as administering injections. Attending the Biomethodology Class first is strongly recommended.

Principles of Rodent Surgery

This class takes place over 2 half-day sessions and covers the principles of surgery and aseptic technique, with particular emphasis on surgical instruments, suturing, sterile procedure, and basic surgical skills. Session formats include classroom instruction, demonstrations, and practical hands-on learning. Surgeries are taught using mice and rats, and include subcutaneous implants, jugular vein cut-down, and gonadectomies. Participants should be comfortable in handling and restraint of mice and rats, as well as techniques such as administering injections.

Pinn Hall Procedure Room B-044 Access and X-ray Irradiator Training

In order to gain access to Pinn Hall Procedure Room B-044, a short 15-minute training is required with the Office of Animal Welfare. In order to schedule use of the X-ray irradiator, you must also complete training on the use of this equipment.

ACUC Office Hours

The Animal Care and Use Committee holds office house to answer any questions you may have about training, procedures, controlled substances, surgery logs and cards, etc. Please feel free to bring your substance and surgery logs and cage cards for our review and critique.

Protocol Writing Workshop

This informal workshop is designed for Principal Investigators and senior research staff who are responsible for writing animal research protocols for submission to the Animal Care and Use Committee. It is appropriate for those totally new to the protocol writing process or anyone already familiar with the process who simply wishes to improve their skills. The workshop will provide information on what the regulations require in a protocol, hints for writing a successful protocol, and time for navigating the online system.