ACS - Archived Newsletters - Issue 10
May 2026
Index
- RAIMS Program Update
- AUDF Thank You
- Confidential Animal Welfare Reporting Form
- Animal Facility Site Visit Series – ARA Site Visits
- New CCAC Guidelines
- New Rodent Euthanasia Workshop
- Sustained Release Buprenorphine in Rodent Anesthesia Demo
- AUP Annual Renewals and Closures FAQs
- ACC Meetings - Review Timelines
- Personnel Changes at the New Liskeard Beef Research Program
The Animal Tribute Event 2026 is Coming Up!
Please join us for this year's Animal Tribute event taking place on June 2, 2026, at 1pm in Peter Clark Hall 001A, followed by refreshments in the Bull Ring at 2pm. During this event, Dr. Jim Petrik will provide a brief talk about his laboratories use of animals in research. Please register for this event by scanning the QR code or using the link below and
contribute to Kudoboard.
We hope to see you there, Animal Tribute Committee.
Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions animaltribute@uoguelph.ca.
RAIMS Program Update: RFP Progress Continues
The Animal Use Protocol (AUP) Request for Proposal (RFP) process is continuing to move forward. Vendor evaluations and demonstrations have recently been completed, marking an important milestone in the process.
The RFP is now progressing through its remaining due‑diligence steps. Updates will be provided through this newsletter and other researcher-facing channels (e.g. Research Alert) once the RFP has formally concluded and a successful respondent has been confirmed.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed their time and expertise throughout this phase of the work!
Currently up for Adoption - OVC Teaching Beagle
Pepe is a 2 year old male neutered Beagle that joined the OVC teaching program in the Fall of 2025. He is ready to be adopted and is looking for a quiet home with an experienced owner to show him that the world is not a scary place. Pepe is a very shy and timid guy but when he trusts you, he forms a deep connection. He will be a very rewarding companion for the right person. If you are interested in meeting Pepe, please reach out to mpitre@uoguelph.ca.
General
ACC
New Members Needed! If you believe that you or someone you know could bring valuable insights to the committee, click to find out more!
Thank you to Our UofG Research Community
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all researchers, instructors, and facility staff for your continued dedication to the ethical and responsible use of animals in research and teaching at the University of Guelph. We are especially grateful for your time and diligence in contributing to the completion of the 2025 Animal Use Data Forms (AUDFs) for both the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).
Numbers submitted for 2025 reflected animal use in research and education by 171 PIs, across440 protocols,
encompassing approximately 30 species.
Thank you for your collaboration, transparency, and commitment to excellence in animal-based research and education.
Confidential Animal Welfare Reporting Form
We recognize the tremendous care, time, and dedication that animal users and animal care staff invest in supporting animal welfare every day at the University of Guelph. As part of maintaining a strong and transparent animal care and use program, and in alignment with CCAC expectations, the ACC has introduced a Confidential Animal Welfare Reporting Form
to provide a safe avenue for reporting concerns. Submissions are confidential, personal information on the form is shared only with the Director of ACS for follow-up purposes. Questions about the program can be directed to
acc@uoguelph.ca. The form can also be found on the Animals | Research & Innovation page of the UofG website.
Compliance and Facilities
Animal Facility Site Visit Series
ARA Site Visits
The Animals for Research Act (ARA) is Ontario legislation governing the use of animals in research, teaching, and testing. Facilities that house or use animals for these purposes must be provincially registered and are subject to inspections by the Chief Veterinary Inspector(CVI) appointed by the Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agri-business (OMAFA).Inspections assess compliance with legislative requirements related to animal care and use oversight, veterinary care, facility operations, and the physical condition of animal facilities to support continued registration.
Regulatory visits may be announced or unannounced and facilities are required to accommodate inspections at the request of the CVI. During visits, the inspector reviews animal holding and procedure areas, evaluates procedures and practices related to animal welfare, and may request supporting documentation such as AUPs, SOPs, and ACC or facility records. Following the inspection, a report identifying compliant, needs improvement, or non-compliant items is issued, and facilities are expected to address any concerns within timelines set by the inspector. The ACS Compliance and Facility Coordinator (CFC) will act as the liaison between the facility and the inspector. The CFC will receive the report and work with the facility to provide responses and ensure concerns are addressed.
Facilities planning renovations or repurposing space can request consultative visits by the CVI through the CFC, to help ensure compliance with ARA requirements before changes are implemented.
New CCAC Guidelines
The CCAC provides overarching guidelines and policies that the ACC/ACS use to guide our animal care and use program. Here are links to recently published CCAC Guidelines:
- Outcomes for animals at the end of scientific activities [2026]
- Ethics Principles for Animal Use in Science [2026]
- Dogs [2026]
The CCAC has also published their Strategic Plan for 2026-2031.
The CCAC is hosting their annual National Workshop on June 4, 2026, to providing insight and guidance into the implementation of the above guidelines.
Training
Please refer to the Facility Orientation and Workshop Schedule page on the Animal User Training Program website for all training schedules. For specific guidance on what training you require to work with or care for animals at UofG, contact us at training@uoguelph.ca.
New Rodent Euthanasia Workshop
We are pleased to introduce a new Hands‑On Rodent Euthanasia Workshop for animal users. This in‑person training is designed to reinforce best practices, ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, and build confidence through supervised practical instruction. Online course materials are available via CourseLink to registered participants and are followed by in-person training to ensure participants are comfortable and confident with the euthanasia process.
This workshop is ideal for new animal users as well as those requiring a refresher. For scheduling and next steps, please contact the ACS Training Team at training@uoguelph.ca.
Sustained Release Buprenorphine in Rodent Anesthesia Demo
To provide additional support in optimizing the use of sustained release (SR) buprenorphine alongside isoflurane anesthesia, which promotes smooth and safe procedures, the ACS Veterinarians have developed the Guidance for Researchers: SR-Buprenorphine in Rodent Anesthesia
resource for research personnel, which can be found on the RSO Document Locker.
The ACS veterinarians are also available to attend surgeries for individualized guidance. If there is enough interest, for further assistance, the ACS Veterinarians are willing to offer a teaching demonstration. If you would like to attend a demo on SR-Buprenorphine use with isoflurane anesthesia, please email training@uoguelph.ca by June 5, 2026. (note: the training mentioned here does not replace the standard anesthesia workshop).
Animal Utilization Protocols
AUP help drop-in sessions held every Wednesday from 1:00-2:30pm in-person with ACS or virtually on Teams. Check out the Interactive Support Sessions for Researchers page for more information.
AUP Annual Renewals and Closures FAQs
To support researchers in managing their AUPs. ACS has developped a Frequently Asked Questions resource
on protocol renewals and closures. This document outlines key timelines, renewal limits, and administratives processes to help ensure ongoing compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. We encourage all protocol holders and research personnel to review this resource and contact ACS with any additional questions.
ACC Meetings - Review Timelines
ACC meeting dates are posted online to assist researchers in planning upcoming protocol submissions. On average, it takes 12 weeks for a new protocol to be granted approval, and protocols are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Timelines may vary depending on protocol review requirements, such as awaiting scientific or pedagogical merit review or pending review load on the ACC . Researchers are encouraged to plan ahead and contact the ACS office early at acc@uoguelph.ca if working within tight timelines.
Community Spotlight
As the New Liskeard Beef Research Program marks an important transition, we take this opportunity to recognize Leo Geisen on his retirement while also welcoming Claire Williams to the team.
Over the years, Leo has been a dedicated and trusted contributor to the program, bringing deep knowledge, steady leadership, and a strong commitment to high standards that have supported animal health, animal care, research outcomes, and colleagues alike. His contributions have left a lasting impact, and we are sincerely grateful for his many years of service.
As Leo closes this chapter, we are pleased to introduce Claire, who joins the program and looks forward to building on this strong foundation. Claire brings a strong agricultural background, having graduated with honours from the University of Guelph’s B.Sc. in Honours Agriculture program. She has extensive hands-on experience in livestock, crop scouting, and agronomic advising, along with demonstrated leadership as President of the Beef Farmers of Temiskaming.
Claire is also a Certified Crop Advisor and a licensed drone pilot, with experience in precision agriculture technologies. In her recent role at Schill Northland Farms, she contributed to crop monitoring, data management, aerial application, and the development of health and safety policies. We are excited to welcome Claire to the program and look forward to the continued success and growth of the team.
To have your work or a fun photo of your animals highlighted, share it with us. Each issue will include one submission as we champion our community and the amazing animals that make our work possible.
Upcoming Events
Animal Tribute Event
- June 2, 2026
1pm
PCH 001A &
Bullring
Register Here
Sign the KudoBoard
- June 4, 2026
12-4pm
Virtual
Register Here
- June 6-9, 2026
Toronto, ON
In-person
Register Here
Resource Corner
Contact Us
- Newsletter - acc@uoguelph.ca
- AUP - acc@uoguelph.ca
- Training - training@uoguelph.ca
- Post-Approval Review - accpost@uoguelph.ca
- ACS Veterinarians - acsvets@uoguelph.ca
- Chair of the ACC - chairacc@uoguelph.ca
