Disposition and Adoption of Research Animals
Number: IACUC-POL-041
Responsible Office: Office of Research and Creative Scholarship (ORCS)
Applies to: All animal research and teaching protocols involving live vertebrate animals, including laboratory and field studies
1. Purpose
This policy establishes institutional requirements and procedures for the disposition of animals used in research, teaching or testing, including euthanasia, return to field, transfer or retirement to sanctuaries, and adoption/rehoming to private homes or accredited organizations for display, in accordance with the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Welfare Act Regulations (AWR, 9 CFR Subchapter A), and applicable sponsor requirements. It applies to animals that are euthanized, treated with experimental or hazardous agents, genetically engineered (transgenic/knockout), wildtype, and wild-caught species.
2. Background
The IACUC is responsible for oversight of all activities involving animals, including methods of euthanasia and final disposition. The AWR require that research facilities maintain records of animal acquisition and disposition and ensure adequate veterinary care; the IACUC must review and approve activities including methods of euthanasia. The Guide provides performance-based standards for veterinary care, euthanasia, and program oversight. NIH Notice NOT-OD-25-163 clarifies that costs associated with rehoming/retirement of experimental animals may be charged to NIH awards, contingent upon compliance with applicable requirements.
3. Definitions
- Disposition: Final outcome for an animal after protocol completion (euthanasia, adoption, transfer, retirement, or field release).
- Adoption/Rehoming: Transfer of ownership of an animal from the institution to a private individual or organization for non-research purposes.
- Wild-caught: Animals obtained from freeliving populations under appropriate permits.
- Genetically engineered/modified: Animals with heritable genomic changes (transgenic, knockout, gene‑edited, etc.).
4. Acceptable Disposition Categories
Disposition may include:
- Euthanasia
- Transfer to another approved protocol
- Adoption or placement
- Field release (when permitted)
- Return to owner (client-owned animals)
- Transfer to another institution
All disposition activities require documentation and IACUC approval.
5. Policy
Animal disposition must prioritize welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance. The Attending Veterinarian (AV) determines medical suitability for any disposition and may approve or deny requests.
Disposition plans (euthanasia, transfer, release, adoption, etc.) must be described in the AUP and approved before use. Deviations require prior IACUC/AV approval unless necessary to alleviate urgent welfare concerns.
The institution will not release genetically engineered or experimentally treated animals into the wild or food chain. Field release is limited to wild-caught animals and only when legally permitted and IACUCapproved.
Adoption/rehoming may be allowed when medically appropriate, behaviorally suitable, and safe for the public and environment. Each adoption requires AV review and IACUC oversight. Animals exposed to hazardous agents may not be adopted or released.
All disposition activities must be fully documented.
6. Disposition of Animals
- Following Euthanasia
Euthanasia must be performed by trained personnel in accordance with AVMA Guidelines and the approved AUP.- Treated with pharmaceutical, experimental or euthanasia agents/compounds: Must be incinerated. If exposed to biohazardous agents, carcasses must be autoclaved before incineration.
- For wild-caught animals euthanized in the field via euthanasia compounds: Carcasses cannot enter the food stream and must be brought back to facility for disposal or disposed of in local landfill in designated area.
- For wild-caught animals euthanized in the field by physical methods (e.g., captive bolt, gunshot, trap): Carcass can remain in the field or donated (e.g., to zoological museums).
- Transgenic or Genetically Modified Animals: Must be handled according to NIH and institutional requirements. Carcasses must be incinerated. Unauthorized disposal is prohibited.
- Untreated Non-GMO Laboratory Animals: Carcasses may be donated (e.g., to raptor recovery programs, zoological museum) if untreated and permitted.
- Large animals treated with pharmaceutical, experimental or euthanasia agents/compounds: Carcasses larger than a rabbit that have been treated with euthanasia compounds must be disposed of in local landfill in designated area.
- Field Studies and Field Research
Capture, handling and release of wild-caught animals must comply with IACUC approval and applicable wildlife regulations.- Field Release: Allowed only when specified in the AUP and permits. Animals must be fit for release and returned to the original capture site unless otherwise permitted.
- Rehabilitation: If release is not suitable, animals may be rehabilitated at a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility or center.
- Adoption and Placement
Adoption is permitted when:- The animal poses no biosafety, zoonotic, or environmental risk
- The animal’s longterm welfare supports adoption
- The animal has not been exposed to hazardous agents
- The animal has not undergone procedures that severely compromise longterm quality of life
- AV medical clearance
- Behavioral assessment (if applicable)
- Written adoption agreement
- Disclosure of relevant research history
- Transfer of ownership documentation
- Breeding restrictions when required
USDA covered species: Adoption must comply with AWR requirements, and all records must be maintained.
7. Transfer to Another Institution
Transfers require confirmation of IACUC approval at the receiving institution, health documentation, and compliance with transport regulations.
Animals may be transferred when:
- Receiving institution has IACUC approval
- Health status documentation accompanies transfer
- Biosecurity requirements are met
- Transportation complies with AWA transport standards
- A material transfer agreement, MOU, or similar documentation may be required
8. Prohibitions and Restrictions
- No adoption or field release of animals that pose unacceptable biosafety, zoonotic, or environmental risks.
- No release to the wild of domesticated laboratory strains or genetically engineered animals.
- Animals with severe illness or behavior incompatible with quality placement are not eligible for adoption; humane endpoints must be applied.
- Individuals adopting a research animal are strictly prohibited from breeding the animal or using it for any form of financial gain.
9. Documentation Requirements
The following must be documented:
- Final disposition in protocol records
- Veterinary clearance for adoption or release
- Transfer approvals
- Carcass disposal method
- IBC coordination (if applicable)
Records must be retained in accordance with federal requirements and institutional policy.
10. Funding Considerations
When supported by NIH awards, reasonable and allocable costs for rehoming/retirement of experimental animals may be charged to the grant consistent with NOT-OD-25-163 (effective October 1, 2025) and institutional allowability determinations.
11. References
- National Institutes of Health. Notice NOT-OD-25-163.
- Animal Welfare Act.
- Animal Welfare Regulations.
- Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
- Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching.
- AVMA Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals (current edition).
- Euthanasia policy, IACUC-POL-015
- IACUC Guidance Document, Adoption of Research Animals (#IACUC-GUID-003)
12. Review, Approval and Version History Version Date
|
Version |
Date |
Description of Changes |
Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1.0 |
March 10, 2026 |
Initial policy creation |
IACUC Committee |