Policies and Prerequisites

The CCAC has policies that establish the ground rules for governing the Assessment and Certification program, which include:

• Assessment panels
• Certification of animal ethics and care programs
• Confidentiality of assessment information
• Recommendations made in CCAC assessment reports

There are also CCAC policies that establish the basic requirements for each institutional program within the Canadian system of oversight of animal ethics and care:

• Animal-based projects involving two or more institutions
• Pedagogical merit of live animal-based teaching and training
• Scientific merit and ethical review of animal-based research
• Senior administrators responsible for animal care and use programs
• Terms of reference for animal care committees

Institutions wishing to obtain a first certificate require the following elements before their first regular CCAC assessment visit:

• compliance with CCAC policy on: terms of reference for animal care committees particularly in the following areas:
  • the creation of an animal care committee;
  • an animal protocol form (or forms); and
  • complete protocols submitted by researchers and teachers for all planned animal-based work, with the animal care committee having reviewed and made decisions on any protocols planned for the near future;
• a formal agreement or agreements for veterinary services; and
• trained, qualified personnel in sufficient numbers to care for all groups of animals seven days a week.