All research is conducted humanely under strict compliance with the Animal Welfare Act, which governs laboratory animals are housing, care and use in investigational studies, and according to IACUC review and approved protocols. The law requires that any procedures causing more than slight or momentary discomfort be performed using appropriate pain-relieving drugs, and requires the use of anesthesia for surgical procedures, comparable to humans. It also stipulates that animals be euthanized during or after a procedure if they would otherwise endure chronic pain.
Primate Center veterinarians and scientists are dedicated to ensuring that animals involved in research projects are provided with the best care and research conduct according to approved IACUC protocols. Veterinarians also provide routine health care, including regular physical exams and dental cleaning and care.
Studies require prior review and approval by the UC Davis Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which ensures that the project meets all federal laws governing animal care and use. The CNPRC is part of the UC Davis Animal Care Program which is accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), a private, nonprofit group that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation. UC Davis is one of more than 770 research institutions and other organizations in 29 countries worldwide that have earned AAALAC accreditation, demonstrating the program commitment to responsible animal care and use.