Vivarium Access Policy

The use of and access to the animal facilities at the University of Rochester are restricted to authorized University personnel and their vivarium guests participating in collaborative research efforts, scientific peer review or teaching activities. Unauthorized entry poses a security threat, may alter experimental outcomes, can jeopardize animal health and can unnecessarily expose personnel to infectious, chemical, or radioactive hazards.

Authorized personnel must have completed the Animal Resource Orientation and be named on an approved UCAR protocol. Additional entry criteria exist for some other facilities/rooms. Please refer to Training Programs for this information. Upon completion of required training, individuals must obtain keys or have University ID badges activated at the Animal Resource office. One's social security number or student number is required for ID activation. Each PI is allowed one key per room(s) housing his/her animals. An account number is required to obtain a key.

Unauthorized persons who desire entry for animal research reasons (e.g., to observe experimental procedures) require prior approval from the Animal Resource Management. Upon approval of the request, a visitor badge will be issued to the individual. The badges are not transferable and must be returned at the end of the approved duration of the proposed visit. An authorized member of the investigator's staff or the Animal Resource must accompany all visitors. Because of the concern for human and animal health, children and pets are not allowed in the Vivarium.

Refer to Health Risks Associated with Laboratory Animals for additional information.