The Animal Resources Center (ARC) under the Unit of Comparative Medicine at the Medical Sciences Campus (MSC) of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) is committed to offer quality services to the university community and private entities. Through an accredited and strictly regulated facility, and highly qualified personnel, it is responsible for the care and husbandry of laboratory animals used in education and biomedical research. Within these functions, the Center practices and promotes responsible and humane use and care of animals.
Oversight
The Animal Resources Center is subject to rigorous oversight by multiple agencies to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. Our consistent credential history and continuous commitment to the research community place us as the only multispecies facility to conduct strictly regulated biomedical research in Puerto Rico.
United States Department of Agriculture USDA
Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare OLAW
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee IACUC
Our Services
Via a well-equipped vivarium and highly trained personnel, we are committed to the handling and care of laboratory animals through the application of the highest standards in animal welfare while in compliance with animal use laws and policies.
- We provide daily husbandry and veterinary care, health surveillance, and other specific services depending on your research needs.
- In coordination with the IACUC, we support training sessions for new personnel, students and research staff in adequate handling, use, and care of laboratory animals.
- We assist in the procurement of animals for teaching activities and research.
- Advice on the use of varied species and strains of common laboratory animals, and on their characteristics in experimental use.
- We provide guidance in the development of research protocols under contracts with public or private organizations.
- Advice to other institutions on the design, operation, and administration of facilities to be used with laboratory animals.
