Purpose

This policy provides guidance to investigators, and other personnel concerning the adoption of animals that have served the University in research or teaching.

Policy

An animal used in research or teaching may be adopted (adoptee) as a companion animal provided that the animal is in good health, has an expectation for a normal quality of life and has a suitable temperament. The person or organization adopting the animal (adopter) must be able to provide for the animal once it leaves the University.

Suitability

Some animals will not be available for adoption because of potential problems that may be encountered in the environment if they are accidentally released or because state and University policies or regulations prohibit ownership. Examples of these types of animals include, but are not limited to, non-human primates, transgenic animals, animals requiring a California Department of Fish and Game Permit (for example ferrets, gerbils, deer), and livestock with a deemed value (P&P 340-30 "Disposal of Agricultural By-Products"; http://manuals.ucdavis.edu/PPM/340/340-30.htm).

The usual mechanism for adoption shall be identification of a person who wishes to adopt and assume permanent ownership of that animal. Under special circumstances, a temporary home may be found through a rescue, foster, county shelter, or SPCA group who will assume full responsibility for the care and welfare of that animal until a permanent home can be found.

Procedure

Animals considered suitable for adoption must be identified on the IACUC protocol (Section 17: Disposition of animals) by adding "Animals will be adopted out at the conclusion of the project per IACUC policy 36". Once the studies with the animals have been completed, selected shelters, SPCA organizaitons, and where appropriate, rescue organizations, may be notified of the availability of the animals. Advertisements to the general public are discouraged and must be submitted to the Attending Veterinarian or designee for review and approval prior to posting.  The Investigator will be responsible for the per diem charges while the animal is waiting to be adopted.

Before adoption, the Attending Veterinarian (AV) or designee must be contacted and will assess the suitability of the animal for adoption and the person adopting the animal. The AV or designees will conduct this assessment within 10 business days after notification from investigators.

• The adopter must be able to provide suitable housing, husbandry, companionship, and veterinary care to the animal. Persons requesting ownership assume full responsibility for the adopted animal. If the home is considered temporary, the person or organization must assume responsibility for the animal until a permanent home is found. Once the animal has left the university, it cannot be returned.
• A veterinarian, not affiliated with the project, will evaluate the suitability of the animal for adoption. Animals used for noninvasive experimental procedures that have not resulted in any physiologic or physical changes (e.g. pharmacokinetic study, behavior study) may be adopted if they are determined by the Attending Veterinarian (or their designee) to be in good health and have a suitable temperament. If the Attending Veterinarian deems the animal unsuitable for adoption, the investigator can appeal the decision to the IACUC.

The individual or agency representative adopting the animal must sign a release of liability prior to adoption.

People who are interested in adopting a former research or teaching animal must complete a "Request for Adoption" form (http://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/iacuc/forms/Adoption2008.doc) stating their name, address, a description of housing available for the animal, and a description of their rationale for wanting to adopt the animal. Request for Adoption forms are available from the Campus Veterinary Services at 530.752.0514 or at http://safetyservices.ucdavis.edu/iacuc/policies/animal-adoptions

All dogs, cats, and rabbits must be neutered before leaving the University.

IACUC-36
Approved by IACUC: 12/04/2008
Supersedes: 2/24/2005, 9/2/2004, 8/21/2008