No live animals may be used in the lab without first contacting a member of laboratory staff at least one business day in advance for approval.
Anyone found to be using animals in the lab without prior approval may lose laboratory privileges and/or face further disciplinary action.
The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) of the Office of the Vice Provost for Research oversees activities involving the use of live animals in Joseph Kelley, D.V.M. Simulation Laboratory. This Committee is federally mandated to ensure the well-being of all animals used in research, teaching, or training. IACUC review ensures that the animal’s welfare is of primary consideration.
The following protocol has been approved by IACUC for live dogs and cats used within Kelley Simulation Laboratory:
G2024-125: Use of dogs, cats, and birds for skills instruction of students, staff, and other trainees
Note: The protocol currently does not approve any bird activities to be performed in the simulation lab.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for owned animals to be used during labs covered by this protocol?
Privately owned animals must meet the following criteria to participate:
- They must be canine or feline (no other species of privately owned animals are approved for this protocol).
- Owners must be fully informed of what activities or procedures may be performed on their animals, and they must read and sign the IACUC protocol G2024-125 owner consent form.
- Animals must currently be vaccinated for rabies, distemper, and (if canine) Bordetella. Animals previously vaccinated but overdue for booster(s) are not allowed. Proof of vaccination must be provided by the owner if requested by laboratory staff.
- They must be well-socialized and reasonably expected to tolerate the activities to be performed at the event without experiencing signs of increased fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).
- Pre-event oral sedation or injectable sedation may be available to help prevent increased FAS if requested by the animal’s owner. However, to qualify, the animal must have had an exam by a Cummings School clinician within the prior 364 days and be free of medical conditions that contraindicate pre-event sedation.
- Injectable sedation may be offered at the event at the instructor’s discretion, provided the owner is informed and consents, the instructor is a qualified veterinarian or veterinary technician, and the patient is healthy enough to receive it.
- Any event where sedation (oral or injectable) is used MUST have a teaching technician or faculty clinician present at all times to monitor for adverse reactions.
What medications are available for sedation to prevent fear, anxiety, and stress?
- Oral sedation is available for dogs and cats when recommended by the laboratory instructor and/or request by the owner. Sedation will never be administered without owner consent. Oral sedation should be given 2 hours prior to the event so that it has time to take effect.
- Dogs can get the following oral sedatives within the dose ranges specified within the protocol document:
- Trazadone
- Gabapentin
- Melatonin
- Cats can be prescribed the following oral sedative within the dose ranges specified within the protocol document:
- To qualify for oral sedation, the animal must have had an exam by a Cummings School clinician within the prior 364 days and be free of medical conditions that contraindicate pre-event sedation.
- Owners can request pre-event oral sedation for their animals by emailing PI Dr. Ariana Hinckley-Boltax.
- Injectable sedation to be administered during the event is also available at the discretion of the instructor. Medications used and approved dose ranges are provided in the protocol document.
- Injectable sedation will only ever be used if the owner of the animal has been informed that sedation may be used and has consented in advance.
- Injectable sedation may only be used if there is a veterinarian or veterinary technician present at the event to ensure the safety of the sedated animal by monitoring vital signs and providing supportive medical care if needed. A pre-sedation exam is always performed before any medications are administered.
- Instructors and laboratory staff ensure that all requirements outlined in the IACUC Policy on the Use of Anesthesia and Sedation are followed whenever sedation is used.
What other steps have you taken to prevent fear, anxiety, and stress for animals used during teaching labs besides administering sedatives?
We are incredibly fortunate and privileged to be able to use live animals for education in the Sim Lab. We have implemented the following steps to ensure the well-being of our wonderful program animals and privately owned volunteer animals:
- All activities and procedures performed are non-invasive and non-painful to keep the labs as positive an experience for the animals as possible. Procedures that may cause pain or discomfort are only performed on simulators or task-trainers, rather than live animals.
- Treats and other rewards are used during all labs where sedation will not occur. Food and treats are withheld only during labs where sedation may occur to decrease the risk that the animal will vomit or regurgitate and potentially aspirate while sedated, in compliance with the IACUC Policy on the Use of Anesthesia and Sedation.
- Calming pheromones, such as ThunderEase/Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats, are used during all labs with live animals. These pheromones may be delivered by room diffusers or sprayed on animal bedding.
- Animals are monitored for any signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) throughout the lab. Should they start to exhibit signs of FAS, they are immediately returned to their cage. If signs do not abate after a rest period, they are not used again for the rest of the lab.
- All animals receive a 15-minute break for every 1 hour of use, regardless of whether they show any signs of FAS.
I have other questions or concerns. Who do I contact?
Questions about the use of live animals in the lab should be directed to
Michael Santasieri (Simulation Laboratory Manager) or
Dr. Ariana Hinckley-Boltax (Principle Investigator for IACUC protocol G2024-125).
