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Assessment and Why Training Matters
CCAC emphasizes competency-based assessment, not just attendance.
Assessment methods may include:
- Direct observation of procedural performance;
- Demonstration of correct technique;
- Questioning to assess understanding;
- Practical skill verification; and
- Documentation of competency by a qualified trainer
Researchers must demonstrate:
- Technical proficiency;
- Knowledge of welfare indicators;
- Ability to recognize and respond to pain/distress
- Understanding of protocol-specific requirements
- Competency must be documented before independent animal work is permitted.
Passing grades
Enrollees must acheived 80% both online quizzes and skill assessments in hands-on evaluations to be certified by trainers.
Why training matters for everyone
New Users
Institutions must ensure that new animal researchers receive comprehensive training before working with animals, not only to meet regulatory requirements but to uphold ethical standards and support both human and animal well-being.
From an ethical standpoint, training grounded in frameworks such as the Three Rs (replacement, reduction, refinement) helps researchers understand the moral imperatives of minimizing harm and respecting animal life, fostering a culture of humane experimental science rather than ad-hoc practice.
Institutional training also prepares individuals for the emotional realities of working with research animals; without support and education on compassion fatigue and resilience, caregivers can experience stress, burnout, and moral distress from caring deeply for animals, which can impair their well-being and professional effectiveness.
In terms of animal welfare, formal training equips researchers with the skills to recognize signs of distress, apply appropriate handling techniques, and implement welfare-enhancing refinements that reduce suffering throughout the research process.
Finally, regulatory frameworks like those promoted by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) require that all personnel be competent and knowledgeable about ethical animal care and use before beginning work, making institutional training essential for compliance as well as for maintaining public trust in animal-based science.
Experienced Users
Continuous Improvement in Animal Handling & Clinical Skills is good science.
Animal research standards don’t stand still—and neither should we. Expectations for animal welfare are continually rising as our scientific understanding of pain, distress and wellbeing grows. Techniques that were considered acceptable years ago may no longer reflect best practice today.
Ongoing improvement in clinical skills and animal handling is a core part of our ethical and professional responsibility. It is also a direct reflection of our commitment to Refinement, one of the Three Rs—ensuring procedures are performed as skillfully, gently and thoughtfully as possible to minimize animal pain and distress.
No matter how experienced you are, there is always room to improve. Small refinements in technique, increased awareness of animal behavior, and regular reflection on our practices can have a meaningful impact on animal welfare and data quality. For students and PIs alike, continuous learning is not a sign of inexperience—it is a hallmark of good science and responsible animal use.
Improving our skills is how we uphold animal welfare, strengthen our research and meet the standards expected of a modern animal user training program.
Why Training Must be Species-Specific
Animals in research and teaching vary in biology, behavior, and care needs, so training must be species-specific to ensure safety, humane treatment, and proper technique.
- Anatomy & physiology: Techniques like blood collection, injections, and anesthesia differ by species.
- Behavior & stress: Species-specific training helps recognize stress and minimize distress.
- Husbandry: Housing, diet, social needs, and enrichment vary.
- Procedures: Restraint, injection sites, anesthesia, and euthanasia require species-specific skills.
Species-specific training ensures animal welfare, staff safety, regulatory compliance and reliable research results.
Additional Resources
Contact Us
If you have any questions about assessments, email training@uwo.ca.