Research and Sponsored Programs

Guidelines for Animal Transportation

Effective Date: June 16, 2021

Transportation of research or teaching animals within or between campus buildings may be necessary during a project.  Maintaining the health and well-being of the animals being transported is essential.  It is important to maintain the animals’ health status by avoiding exposure to potential pathogens, preventing injury, and reducing stressors such as temperature extremes, excessive noises, and confrontations with other animals.  Transporting animals requires high attention to detail to ensure safety and well-being not only for the animals but also for personnel where the animals pass.  Human health concerns include animal allergies, risk of animal escape, and exposure to hazards (i.e., microorganisms, chemicals, radioactive materials). 

1. Transportation of animals between campuses must be done by the Department of Laboratory Animal Resources, “DLAR” or approved by DLAR.
2. Transportation of animals should be done in a direct and timely manner, with no stops along the way, avoiding public areas whenever possible.
3. All methods of transporting animals must provide for the health and welfare of the animals.
4. Animals must not be transported with any other animal, substance, or device that may potentially cause injury to the animals being transported.
5. Animals should be transported using an approved shipping container, which securely locks the animals within the transport container, preventing escape even if container is accidently dropped.  In rare circumstances when approved, standard shoe box cages can be used but the micro-isolator tops of those cages must be secured by taping them to the cage bottom.
6. Care should be exercised in handling enclosures (i.e., transport boxes, containers, etc.), such that they are not tossed, dropped, or stacked in a manner that they might be expected to fall.  During transport, containers or cages should not be carried in any way that may cause physical trauma or stress to the animals.  Accidents including dropped cages or animal escape must be immediately reported to DLAR for veterinary care and biosecurity consultation, as well as to the Biological Safety Officer if the animal was treated with a biological hazard. Additionally, a full report must be provided to the IACUC as an adverse event.
   1. One or two transport boxes/cages may be carried. Transporting more than two requires use of a cart. Transport boxes designed to be stacked may be stacked up to 3 cages high provided they are secured with straps, plastic wrap or a cover to prevent movement during transport.
7. For aquatic species, special considerations are required for transportation in an aqueous environment.
8. For transport of animals that have been exposed to radioactive materials, contact the Radiation Safety Officer.
9. For transport of animals that have been exposed to a biological hazard (i.e., recombinant DNA, human cells, etc.), contact the Biological Safety Officer.
10. Temperature extremes must be avoided when transporting animals.  When temperatures fall below 40°F or above 85°F, special precautions need to be taken.
11. The USDA regulations must be followed when transporting animal species covered under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).  Transportation of all animals must comply with all applicable local and state laws and regulations.
12. Transport animals in covered or opaque cages, carriers, or containers.  These primary enclosures must be constructed of materials that can be either sanitized or disposed of, and must be designed to prevent the spread of fomites, microorganisms, chemicals, and radioactive materials where present.  Additionally, they must:
    1. Be escape proof and secured with zip-ties and/or tape.
    2. Be labeled “Live Animal”.
    3. Provide adequate ventilation.
    4. Provide food and water source as appropriate for species.
    5. Use the same density requirements for animal housing as described in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
13. The use of personal vehicles, by investigators or laboratory staff, will require approval by the IACUC (within the IACUC protocol) and DLAR.
    1. Exception would be animals that are transported by DLAR following DLAR’s SOP.