Animal User Training Program
Research > Conduct Research > Animal Care Services > Animal User Training Program
Welcome to the Animal User Training Program at the University of Guelph.
- Introduction
- Who Must be Trained?
- Animal User Training Requirements
- Components of the Mandatory Animal User Training Program
- Exceptions to Training Requirements
- Workshop Schedule
- Registration
- Link to Core Modules log in page
- Certification of Mentor-facilitated Animal User Training form
Introduction
Under the Animals for Research Act (Ontario, 1990) and in accord with the standards of the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC, 2003), individuals involved with the care and use of animals for research and teaching at the University of Guelph must demonstrate that they are familiar with animal welfare issues, adequately trained in animal care and use, and knowledgeable regarding federal and provincial regulations before being granted the privilege of working with animals.
Who Must be Trained?
All individuals who use animals in research and teaching or care for animals through their employment at the University of Guelph, ‘animal users’, must receive adequate training prior to commencement of any animal-based work. Animal users include principal investigators, graduate & undergraduate students, research staff, teaching assistants, animal care staff, post-doctoral fellows, summer students, visiting students, and others performing animal procedures or caring for animals. The Animal User Training must be up-dated every 5 years.
Animal User Training Requirements
Animal users are identified by Animal Care Services (ACS) from information provided in the Animal Utilization Protocol (AUP) or the Annual Renewal/Amendment Form. Training requirement is based on research/teaching conducted, species used, animal procedures involved, and duties of employment.
The animal user is expected to register for the training components as soon as his/her schedule allows and have the required training completed prior to commencement of animal-based work.
Registration for training can be done proactively, in preparation for animal-based work, and prior to submission of the AUP . Animal users are encouraged to take any workshops or training sessions they may be interested in, consider beneficial or are advised by a supervisor to attend, in addition to those that have been assigned as requirements.
Non-University of Guelph affiliated participants are welcome to the workshops and will be accepted subject to space available. A registration fee applies. See registration below.
Components of the Mandatory Animal User Training Program
The training consists of two components:
- Core Modules - online training modules based on the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Recommended Syllabus
- Workshops - hands-on species-specific training
1. Core modules
The core modules are mandatory for all animal users. The modules consist of online lecture material followed by a quiz. The quiz must be completed by all. A minimal score of 70% is required to receive credit for the module. The participant is permitted 3 attempts for each module quiz.
Registration to the online training core modules is open at any time. Core modules are scheduled using a cohort system. You may register for any cohort prior to the end date of the cohort, at which time all quizzes must be completed.
2. Workshops
The workshops are offered regularly throughout the year. The number of workshop participants is limited. Registration for the workshops is on a first-come, first-serve basis. University affiliated animal users take precedence over non-affiliated registrants.
Workshop participants are expected to review technical material prior to attending the workshop. This online training material covers lecture notes, pictures, charts, instructional videos and/or DVDs, narrated slide presentations or links to websites. Access to the technical modules will be given following a confirmed registration.
Mentor-facilitated Training in Study-specific Procedures
In addition to, or in lieu of, hands-on workshop training, individuals requiring training in specific techniques for procedures approved in the AUP, may have to complete mentor-facilitated training from a qualified facilitator approved by ACS. Documentation - the form "Certification of Mentor-facilitiated Animal User Training", must be forwarded to the ACS following completion of such training. Click here for form.
Exemptions to Training Requirements
I ndividuals may, in certain cases, be exempt from the hands-on workshop training. This is applicable to :
- A person listed on the AUP who will not be in direct contact with living animals
- A principal investigator, associate, or staff who has a documented history of expertise in a particular area and is recognized as current specialist in the species or specialized techniques .
- An animal user who has obtained equivalent and current training at another institution or as mentor-facilitated training at the University of Guelph. Documentation of such training must be provided to ACS. For University of Guelph training, the instructor must forward the form "Certification of Mentor-facilitated Animal User Training" (available above). For training at other institutions, the trainee must forward a certificate of completed training with an outline of the training components.
- Please note that no exemptions are given to the core modules, which are compulsory to all animal users independent of their role in the research, teaching or event team.
Workshops Schedule
Registration
Core Online Modules
Workshops
Please note that all workshops missed or cancelled with less than 24 hours notice are subject to a $50 fee. (Please cancel Friday for Monday workshops).
- Registration Workshop – I am University of Guelph affiliated
- Registration Workshop – I am NOT affiliated with the University of Guelph through study or employment