Comparative Biology Resources Center

Purchase and Handling

All purchases of veterinary supplies must be requested via the Veterinary Supplies Google form.

All imports of animals to URI from other institutions must be requested by submitting an Import Form to CBRC staff. 

All arrangements for the purchase of animals must be made by submitting an Animal Requisition Form to CBRC staff. CBRC-approved vendors include Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.; Inotiv; The Jackson Laboratory; and Taconic Biosciences. Purchase of animals from approved vendors does not require AV review and approval.

Import of animals from other institutions and purchase from non-approved vendors requires approval by the AV. Submit diagnostic health reports from the sending institution to the AV for evaluation of current health status. If known to be contaminated, CBRC will help arrange for rederivation services prior to shipment. If suspected clean, CBRC will arrange for quarantine to verify health status on a case-by-case basis.

IACUC approval

Before placing an animal order, the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) must verify that the investigator’s IACUC protocol is current and that the order does not exceed the approved animal allotment. Orders will not be placed if the protocol has expired or if the order exceeds the number of animals approved. In the event this occurs, the ORI will notify the research contact person.

Animal Deliveries

When planning experiments, investigators should be aware of the time normally required between placement of an animal order and delivery of those animals by the commercial vendor. Please note that unusual animals may require additional time for delivery. Holiday schedules and/or inclement weather may also change normal delivery days. Once animals arrive at URI and housed in the designated animal holding room by CBRC care staff animals must be acclimated for ~1 week prior to any procedures done with them.  Please contact the CBRC for scheduling information.