One of the most challenging aspects of animal research is the safe and effective provision of anesthesia. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the USDA Animal Welfare Act and Regulations, and other federal regulations all require that personnel involved in animal research receive appropriate training, and the IACUC is responsible for ensuring this occurs.
Recent guidance from the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (NOT-OD-25-148) clarifies that participation in animal-related activities by individuals who have not been determined by the IACUC to be appropriately qualified and trained is a reportable noncompliance event. To ensure animal welfare and avoid compliance issues, we are implementing an Anesthesia Competency Verification process for investigators who perform anesthesia on USDA-Regulated Mammals.
What This Means for You
New research faculty, staff, and trainees on approved IACUC protocols who perform anesthesia and/or sedation on USDA-regulated mammals (gerbils, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, cats, dogs, pigs, ruminants, and NHPs) must complete the DLAR Anesthesia Competency Verification before performing procedures independently.
Current PIs and staff/trainees have until the end of 2026 to complete verification and may continue performing anesthesia/sedation independently in the interim.
The verification process is designed to be minimally burdensome. DLAR Veterinary Services personnel will observe your procedures using a standardized checklist—this can often be incorporated into your regular workflow.
This requirement does not apply:
If DLAR performs the anesthesia described in your protocol.
If an investigator exclusively anesthetizes species that are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act, including cold-blooded vertebrates (e.g., fish) and purpose-bred rats and mice.
Scheduling
To schedule your verification, contact DLAR Veterinary Services Training at DLRVSTR@pitt.edu. Additional information and FAQs are available on the Anesthesia Competency Verification webpage.
We appreciate your commitment to excellence in animal research. Please reach out to DLRVSTR@pitt.edu with any questions.
