Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), recognizes the scientific and ethical responsibility for the humane care and use of animals involved in research and education and enjoins all individuals involved to the highest standards of animal care and consideration. UCSB has established an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which is qualified through the experience and expertise of its members to oversee the institution's animal care and use program, facilities, and procedures. The IACUC, as an agent for UCSB's commitment to the humane care and use of animals, shall:

  1. Assure all activities involving animals meets the ethical and legal requirements for the humane care and use of animals as set forth by the PHS Policy, the Animal Welfare Act, AAALAC International standards, and UCSB policies and guidelines.
  2. Maintain and promote an open and cooperative relationship with investigators and faculty, and the greater university community.
  3. Educate the UCSB community concerning the ethical and regulatory standards for the humane care of animals.

If you are a new researcher and need to begin training, please see this page. Follow the instructions on the Animal Researcher Training Checklist.

A description of our animal facilities and veterinary care program is available here, which is required in order to complete some of the questions on the Vertebrate Animal Section (VAS) of an NIH grant proposal.

Do I Need A Protocol? Complete this form, if you use animals in your research, teaching, or outreach activities, in order to help us determine whether or not your animal use activity requires an IACUC protocol.

aaalac logo

AAALAC Accredited Unit Number 001414, Most Recent Accreditation Date: 10/31/2021

USDA Registration Number: 93-R-0438

PHS Assurance Number: D16-00497 (A3865-01)

Reporting Animal Welfare Concerns

Anyone may report a concern about animal use. Anyone reporting an animal use concern is protected from reprisal under the UCOP Whistleblower and Whistleblower Protection Policy. If you have any animal use concerns, you may report your concerns directly to any member of the ARC staff or contact the following:

IACUC Office at iacuc@lifesci.ucsb.edu or 805-893-5855

Attending Veterinarian at 805-893-7344 or 805-451-5931

IACUC Chair at AnimalWelfareConcerns@research.ucsb.edu or 805-893-2659

Research Integrity Office within the Office of Research at AnimalWelfareConcerns@research.ucsb.edu or 805-893-4286

UC Whistleblower Hotline at 800-403-4744