Animals in Research and Teaching

Learn the steps to receive approval for research and/or teaching with animals at Texas A&M.

The use of animals is defined as any activity involving vertebrate animals in which the natural lifestyle or movements of the animals is materially altered. Use of animal carcasses, tissues, and fluids obtained specifically for research, testing, or teaching purposes are subject to review according to applicable regulations and may be determined to be “use of animals.”

Personnel who work with animals or are at risk from animal exposure must be enrolled in a Biosafety Occupational Health Program and informed of the risks associated with the animal exposure.

Research Compliance’s Animal Welfare Office (AWO) supports Texas A&M’s Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC), through which all faculty, staff, and students using animals, regardless of location or funding, must obtain approval before activities begin. 

Report a Concern

Concerns regarding the use of animals in research and/or teaching may be directed electronically or by phone to the chair of the IACUC or the Animal Welfare Office.

Animal Welfare Office
979.845.1828
979.862.3176 fax 

More Information About Reporting a Concern

Ethics Point

Or submit a report to Texas A&M EthicsPoint (not for events presenting an immediate threat to life or property)

Zoom Office Hours

IACUC Submission Help

Need help with IACUC submissions? Schedule a help session. Zoom office hours are now available: Tuesdays – 2:00 pm-3:00 pm and Fridays – 10:00 am-11:00 am. Email animalcompliance@tamu.edu for the Zoom connection information.

Are you a new PI or an experienced PI joining Texas A&M University from another institution? Joining the AWO staff during office hours is a great way to get started on animal compliance!

Accreditation and Oversight

Animal Welfare Assurance (OLAW):

College Station/Dallas/Galveston/Kingsville: D16-00511 (A3893-01), valid until 4/30/2026

Houston: D16-00563 (A4012-01), valid until 12/31/2024

USDA Research Facility Registration:

College Station: 74-R-0012

Houston/Kingsville: 74-R-0039

AAALAC International Accreditation:

College Station: 000704, Full Accreditation (effective 3/12/2020)

Houston/Kingsville: 000921, Full Accreditation (effective 2/23/2022)