I: Background and Purpose:

The physical transport of animals shall be in accordance with the Guide for the Care and

Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide), the USDA Animal Welfare Act (AWA), and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals (Ag Guide).  “Careful planning for all types of transportation should occur to ensure animal safety and well-being. The process of transportation should provide an appropriate level of animal biosecurity…while minimizing zoonotic risks, protecting against environmental extremes, avoiding overcrowding, providing for the animals’ physical, physiologic, or behavioral needs and comfort, and protecting the animals and personnel from physical trauma (Maher and Schub 2004).” The Guide, p 107

This policy covers all UCR vertebrate laboratory animal transport by UCR personnel. This policy does not address the transport of animals by outside services, such as mail, paid carriers or suppliers, or air transportation. Guidance for these areas can be found in the latest editions of The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the NRC publication Guidelines for the Humane Transportation of Research Animals.

II: Policy:

A. Planning for Transportation:

Vehicles used for transportation must be included in the IACUC semiannual inspection program before transporting animals. All transport procedures will be handled on a case-by-case basis once the AUP that describes the procedure is reviewed by the IACUC. All animal transport, including intra-institutional transportation, should be planned to minimize transit time and the risk of public exposure to allergens and/or zoonotic agents, protect against environmental extremes, avoid overcrowding, provide food and water when indicated, and protect against physical trauma. Animals may not be left unattended during transport. Points to consider include:

• Physical transportation stressors, i.e., changes in temperature, noise, vibration, air flow, humidity, and human handling
• Physiological transportation stressors, i.e., limitation of access to food and water
• Animal density/space allocation
• Length of transport time
• Species-specific considerations, e.g., aqueous or sufficiently moist environments for aquatic species and amphibians; avoiding temperature extremes for poikilotherms.

The majority of animal research at UC Riverside involves rodents. However, the IACUC recognizes that different species may have different transportation parameters and recommends that the PI consult with the Campus Veterinarian on the appropriate transportation method(s) for specific species. Any concerns regarding animal transportation will be reviewed by the UCR IACUC. The IACUC may grant exceptions when deemed in the best interests of the animals, provided that the requests for exceptions are justified in the AUP and approved by the IACUC. 

B. Transport Containers:

• Be made of a material that is either disposable or can be cleaned and sanitized between uses.
• Provide a secure environment that is escape-proof and is free of sharp edges, internal clasps, or other features that could be reasonably anticipated to injure the animal.
• Provide adequate ventilation during transport.
• If transparent, the containers must be draped with cloth or other covering to ensure animals and cages are completely shielded from public view. 
• Note that the disposable gowns provided as personal protective equipment (PPE) are not adequate for use as a drape or covering and should not leave the animal facility.
• Be designed not to tip over or be secured (e.g., with straps) during transportation.
• When possible, cages should be marked with: PI name, PI contact information, UCR Campus Veterinarian contact information, AUP protocol #, species, date of birth (if available), source, and permit numbers (e.g., from CDFW) if applicable.
• On-campus transport should include the use of a cart with pneumatic wheels.
• Off-campus transport containers should provide allergen control. For rodents, standard shipping containers are recommended. Vivarium cages should not be removed from campus.

C. Transport Vehicles: The use of private vehicles is discouraged according to The Guide. Nevertheless, UCR does not have vehicles for off-campus transportation; as such, the following guidelines should be followed when using a private vehicle: 

• Be capable of maintaining the temperature to standards acceptable for the species being transported.
• Have a safe animal holding space appropriate for the species that are free of exhaust fumes, smoke, or aerosols from cigarettes or e-cigarettes, or other potentially harmful aerosols, including cleaning solutions and air fresheners.
• Emergency contact information for the PI and the UCR Campus Veterinarian should be kept in the vehicle during transport.
• For all animals, a secondary barrier must be used to minimize the allergen transfer or other biosecurity hazards into the transport vehicles (e.g., impermeable plastic sheet over upholstery, a disposable absorbent pad, lab bench paper, a plastic tub, a clean Tyvek lab coat).
• The rationale for the use of a private vehicle must be in the approved AUP/SOP.
• Current registration and proof of insurance must be maintained in the vehicle.

D. Personnel and Training

• Transported animals must be accompanied by personnel listed on the approved AUP describing animal transport.
• Only individuals directly assisting with the study or animal transport should be present in the vehicle.
• The driver must be at least 18 years old and have an active (not expired) license at the time of transport.
• On a case-by-case basis and as determined by the Attending Veterinarian, an emergency plan should be developed with the PI before transport (i.e., an accident or an animal escapes)
• Personnel should understand documentation requirements (e.g., animal identification, AUP, and vehicle registration, vet contact information). Personnel should be familiar with animal handling, including loading and off-loading procedures.
• Ability to recognize signs of stress and alleviate the cause, if possible

E. Animals in vehicles

• To minimize transport time, the transport should be direct, and unnecessary stops are strongly discouraged. Ideally, at least two personnel should be involved in the transport. 
• If exigencies arise that make it essential to park the vehicle with the animals inside, the vehicle must be parked in a location where the animals are not visible to the public and the internal temperature of the vehicle will not deviate from acceptable temperature ranges for the animal (i.e., the investigator must not park in the sun). Most species should not be transported in the trunk, on top of a vehicle, or in the bed of a pickup. Exceptions may be permitted for field study or agricultural animals if described in the IACUC-approved protocol. 
• Temperature, season, and time of day must be considered to minimize animal welfare concerns.
• Food and water should be provided during transport in vessels designed not to leak during transport, unless specifically stated otherwise in the AUP/SOP.
• Two different species may not be transported at the same time unless specifically approved in the AUP/SOP.
• Loud music should not be played while animals are present.
• For longer transit times, a detailed transportation SOP may be required as per IACUC and Attending Veterinarian to address all the points above. A template can be provided by the IACUC Office. The definition of ‘longer transit time’ will vary by species; investigators should consult with the Attending Veterinarian for questions.

III: References

• The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 8th Ed. (latest edition)
• NRC publication Guidelines for the Humane Transportation of Research Animals (latest edition)
• Animal Welfare Act: 9 CFR Parts 1, 2, and 3

Approved: 12/4/06; Revised 11/5/15; 8/16/2021; Revised 08/10/2026