Comparative Biology Resources Center

Services and Fees

The regular program activities of the CBRC are to make available the following services to all academic and/or research faculty and staff affiliated with the IACUC and animal use:

  • Provide complete animal care for all laboratory animals used for research and/or teaching purposes.
  • Order (as requested by Investigators), receives and places into appropriate housing all laboratory animals used for research and/or teaching purposes.
  • Provide complete clinical health care and/or diagnostic services for all laboratory animals under our charge.
  • Provide consultation (as requested by investigators) on veterinary, regulatory, and/or animal model aspects of laboratory animal use.
  • Distribute to all interested academic and/or research faculty and staff any current, relevant information of a general nature regarding the proper use of laboratory species.
  • Distribute specific information to principal investigators regarding current innovations in the area of their individual research interests.

Per Diem Rates
The CBRC charges per diem based on the species, the number of animals housed, and the type of care the animals receive. Per diem rates are based on the cost analysis and recovery procedures delineated in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual for Animal Research Facilities. Approximately 70% of animal care costs are subsidized by the Division of Research and Economic Development. Per diem rates are reviewed and adjusted annually, and investigators are notified in advance of changes. For grant budgetary projections, an increase in per diem of 3-5% annually is recommended.

CBRC Per Diem and Additional Services Rates 2026 

Fee Payment
Investigators receive monthly CBRC invoices, which includes charges for daily care of animals (i.e., per diem) and other animal related charges. Examples of other charges are special veterinary technical services, surgical services, and the purchase of medication and/or supplies.

Upon invoice receipt, promptly review the charges, provide the Cartfield String (CFS) to be charged, and sign. An Internal Value Purchase Order (IVPO) must be issued to vendor ID URI_CBRC and the receiving report must be signed.  Return the signed invoice and signed receiving report to Ellen McVey for processing.

The CBRC strives to work closely with investigators regarding issues of timely release of grant monies targeted for animal costs from sponsored programs. However, investigators should be aware that continued or repeated non-payment of animal related bills will result in a loss of their ability to house animals at URI.

Information on how to create an IVPO can be found here.