The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) has approved the Animal Welfare Assurance #D16-00210 for the University of Montana. The Assurance became effective April 29, 2021, and will expire April 30, 2025.

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW), a branch of the National Institutes of Health Office of Extramural Research:

1. Develops and monitors, as well as exercises compliance oversight relative to Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals involved in research conducted or supported by any component of the Public Health Service.
2. Coordinates appropriate PHS regulations, policies, and procedures both within PHS and in coordination with other Departments and Agencies in the Federal Government; and establishes criteria for and negotiation of Assurances of Compliance with institutions engaged in PHS-conducted or supported research using animals.
3. Conducts programs of clarification and guidance for both the Federal and non-Federal sectors with respect to the use of animals in research; directs the development and implementation of educational and instructional programs and generates educational resource materials.
4. Evaluates the effectiveness of PHS policies and programs for the humane care and use of laboratory animals.
5. Serves as liaison to Presidential, Departmental, Congressional, interagency, and non-governmental Commissions and Boards established to examine issues pertaining to laboratory animal welfare in research and exercises leadership in identifying and addressing such issues.

For more information about OLAW, visit the OLAW website.

Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Edition