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Institutional Animal User Training Program
Through a combination of online learning and hands-on training, the Institutional Animal User Training Program (IAUTP) provides the ethical and practical training required for all personnel working with animals in research or teaching at Western and its affiliates.
The program ensures all personnel develop the knowledge and skills needed to perform animal procedures safely, ethically, and in accordance with institutional policies and regulatory standards.
Assigned procedure–based training focuses on the specific animal procedures an individual is authorized to perform within an approved protocol.
Personnel are trained on relevant techniques and must demonstrate competency—typically under supervision—before working independently.
This ensures procedures are performed safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulatory and welfare standards.
Training is led by registered veterinary technicians (RVTs). RVTs teach in institutional animal user training programs because they bring:
- Accredited clinical education;
- Hands-on procedural mastery;
- Professional ethical obligations;
- Welfare-centered expertise; and
- Experience in competency evaluation.
Their role strengthens regulatory compliance, humane, ethical conduct of research and the excellence of scientific data.
- Verify training before delegating procedures.
- Not permit informal or undocumented skill transfer.
- Ensure amendments in Cayuse reflect actual procedures performed.
- Address skill gaps proactively.
- Foster a laboratory culture that prioritizes welfare and compliance.
Students, trainees and staff are responsible to:
- Read and follow your AUP on Cayuse.
- Demonstrate competency for required training.
- Ensure animal welfare at all times.
Compliance protects you, the animals, and your research.
Platform Transition Issues?
If you previously had access to IAUTP training material but lost access during our transition from OWL Sakai to Brightspace, please email training@uwo.ca to request access to the online content and workshop sign-ups.
When Should You Complete Your Training?
Plan ahead--the full IAUTP process—including courses, quizzes and workshops—typically takes about 2 to 3 months, with limited course availability and potential delays if components must be repeated.
We recommended completing training within a few months of starting animal work, so skills remain fresh.
Students will receive a registration letter from the IAUTP once their principal investigator has added them to their animal use protocol (AUP) in Cayuse. The student then has access to our online training content and can sign up for hand-on workshops as they are scheduled over the next couple of months.
You may begin training before being on an AUP, if your PI has completed a training request form, but you could be removed from a workshop sign-up if another student already on an AUP needs the spot.
Proper planning ensures you are fully trained and ready when your project begins.
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