ACS - Archived Newsletters - Issue 6

September 2025

Index

Animal Care Services
Animal Facility Site Visit Series
Welcome New Students
Thank You to Facility Staff Trainers
Submitting a New or Replacement AUP
Submitting an AUP for renewal
Honouring Dr. Diana Philbrick

Scientific Merit Review: Administration Moving to Animal Care Services

Independent peer review of the scientific merit of animal-based research programs or projects, is an important part of the Animal Utilization Protocol (AUP) review process. The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) takes the position that “animal use in research must only be undertaken if expert, independent option has attested to the probable scientific value of the research within its field. Animal based- work can then proceed only if an institutional Animal Care Committee (ACC) finds the use of animals acceptable ethically…” (CCAC, 2013)

In cases where Scientific Merit Review (SMR) is not conducted by funding agencies, internal SMR through the university must be completed. Administration of the SMR process will be moving this fall from the office of Research Risk to Animal Care Services (ACS). To stay up to date on ancillary requirements for AUPs please look to the Office of Research website, Ancillary Requirements, or reach out to smr-pmr@uoguelph.ca.

Rainbow trout eggs from the Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre in Alma

Rainbow trout eggs from Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre in Alma.

ACS Highlights

Animal Care Services Staff

With the start of a new academic year and the recent staff changes, we’d like to take the opportunity to re-introduce the Animal Care Services team. Get to know the people behind ACS and the important roles they play in supporting research and animal care across our community.

Animal Facility Site Visit Series

There are many reasons why representatives from ACS and/or the ACC may need to visit an animal facility or space where animals are used. We will be starting a series on the different types visits that may be conducted including ACC site visits, ACS Veterinary Visits, External Regulator Visits (OMAFA, CCAC) and PAR Visits. Each installment will review the purpose of the visit, who will be involved in the visit, and any regulatory considerations. These visits are a component of our Post-Approval Monitoring program as required by the CCAC and descriptions are available on the intranet. If you have any questions, you may reach out to Kristyn Fournier, our Compliance and Facility Coordinator at acc@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Janet Sunohara-Neilson, our Veterinarian, Post-Approval Review, at janetsun@uoguelph.ca.

General News

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!

Welcome New Students!

As the academic year begins, we’re excited to welcome new students joining our research community. If you have a student that will be working with animals for the first time, remember that Animal Care Services is here to support you in getting them started. Reminder that all new personnel must be added to an approved AUP through an amendment, must complete the required CORE modules, attend facility specific orientation, and reach out to ACS Training at training@uoguelph.ca for species-specific training. We’re here to help them get started safely and successfully.

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 U of G, contact us at training@uoguelph.ca.

Fall 2025 Training Schedule

Thank You to Facility Staff Who Lead and Support Training

With the start of a new academic year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all facility staff who support training. Your expertise and mentorship are vital in helping new students and staff learn proper animal care and research practices. We deeply appreciate your role in shaping the next generation of researchers. Let’s continue to celebrate your impact and foster excellence in training. Interested in contributing or sharing ideas? Contact the Training Office at training@uoguelph.ca.

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

Dissecting an AUP Series

Submitting a new or replacement AUP involves several key steps to ensure compliance, animal welfare, and timely review. To help PIs better understand what to expect we’ve created a flowchart that outlines the entire process. This tool is designed to make the path from submission to approval clearer and easier to follow.

Submitting an AUP for renewal must be done annually, to a maximum of 3 times, for a 4 year total AUP lifespan. Renewing involves several important steps to maintain compliance, ensure animal welfare, and keep research projects moving forward without interruption. It is key to use the 'Renew' tab when submitting your annual renewal to ensure it is sent for departmental chair approval. Here is a flowchart that outlines the renewal process to help with your annual renewal submission. An annual renewal is required even if no changes are to be made to your protocol. If your AUP does require updates to accurately reflect your upcoming year of work, include those amendments in 'Appendix 8' of your renewal.

Community Spotlight

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Dr. Diana Philbrick. Diana joined the University in 1986 and served our community for 40 years in, what is now, the Department of Human Health Sciences. Her dedication to our department and community was unparalleled. She began her work here as a Research Associate and in the last 20 years of her career with us she managed our animal wing, caring for our animals, training our students and helping our researchers. She worked with us until she was 84, often coming in 7 days a week! Diana was a force of nature! She was such an embedded member of our community, such a constant in our day-to-day lives, and she will be profoundly missed.