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Animal Husbandry & Care
All animals across our facilities receive care every day of the year from a dedicated team of highly trained professionals. Animal care staff are deeply committed to the well-being of the animals and play a crucial role in monitoring their health and welfare. They serve as the advocates for the animals, ensuring their needs are met consistently. We greatly appreciate the invaluable work of our animal care staff!
Environmental Enrichment
Research staff are required to participate in environmental enrichment strategies for their animals.
Enrichment for research animals is a critical component of ethical animal care, as outlined by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC). Enrichment involves implementing various strategies and interventions that enhance the physical and psychological well-being of animals in a research setting. This includes providing opportunities for natural behaviors, such as exploration, foraging, and social interaction, as well as environmental enrichment through varied housing, sensory stimulation, and social companionship.
By fostering an enriched environment, we not only improve the welfare of research animals but also enhance the validity and reliability of research outcomes. It is essential for researchers and animal care personnel to continuously assess and adapt enrichment strategies to meet the specific needs of the animals, ensuring compliance with CCAC guidelines and promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.
For species-specific enrichment guidelines, visit the CCAC website, or the ACC SOP index (Western login required).
Enrichment Requests
If you have ideas for enrichment, would like to introduce new items for your animals, or plan to provide something specific to enhance their care, please reach out to acvs@uwo.ca. All new enrichment items must receive approval from both veterinarian and operations leadership to ensure they meet the appropriate standards and regulations. We're always open to creative solutions that improve animal welfare while maintaining compliance with our protocols!
For more information about environmental enrichment, contact fmgr@uwo.ca.