Institutional Animal User Training Program (IAUTP)

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guidelines mandate that:

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"All personnel involved in the use of animals in research, teaching and testing must be adequately trained in the principles of laboratory animal science and the ethical issues involved in animal use."

“...all personnel working with animals must possess the necessary knowledge, skills and competency to perform their required tasks prior to commencement of any work involving animals.”

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This includes principal investigators, research staff, trainees, animal care staff, etc., and refers to all types of animals used in science, including traditional “laboratory animals” as well as domestic livestock, fish and wildlife.

The University of Alberta training requirements for animal users are delivered in two parts:

PART I: Basic Animal Care and Use Course

Core Topics

Regulations and Animal Welfare

Understand the legal and ethical framework for animal use in science.

Moral, Legal and Ethical Issues

Explore key ethica;l considerations in animal research.

The Three R’s

Learn about Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement in animal research.

University of Alberta’s Animal Care Program

Gain insight into the roles of Animal Care and Use Committees (ACUCs) and the CCAC Assessment and Certification program.

Environmental Enrichment, Animal Stress, and Euthanasia

Explore how the ACUC evaluates these critical issues

Course Enrollment

The Research Ethics Office (REO) will enroll you once you have submitted your course request. Please note, further instructions will be emailed to you after your request to take the course.

Once completed, you will receive an email notification that your ARISE profile has been updated and the ACUC will be able to verify your qualifications for conducting research.

Training Equivalencies

If you’ve received training from other CCAC-accredited or equivalent international institutions, you may submit your documentation for credit review. However, all personnel must complete a portion of this course to familiarize themselves with the University of Alberta’s specific procedures and policies. To request credit, please upload your certificates in the Part I registration form or send your certificates of training to reoffice@ualberta.ca.

Part II: Practical Species-Specific Technique Training

Species and procedure/technique specific training is required for all personnel who handle animals in any way. Practical Training modules are offered by the animal services units. Please contact the appropriate unit to arrange training.