Background
Section 66017.7 of the CA Education Code requires that UCR establish guidelines and criteria for when dogs and cats owned by the University that were involved in research, testing, teaching or related activities (“animal use activities”) are made available for adoption. This UCR policy has been broadened to include any species that may be good companion animals.
Note: Some animals are not available for adoption because state and University policies or regulations prohibit private ownership or donation of some species.
Related Policies and Guidance
- Policy 529-271: Authority of the Attending Veterinarian
Policy
An animal that participated in research or teaching may be adopted as a companion animal provided the animal is in good health, has an expectation for a normal quality of life, and has a suitable temperament. Adoption must have consent of the researcher. The individual adopting the animal (adopter) must demonstrate that they can provide a suitable home for the adoptee when it leaves the University. Once the animal has left the University, it cannot be returned.
ADOPTION PRINCIPLES
The adoption of animals other than cats or dogs must be approved by the IACUC on a case-by-case basis. University-owned animals may be made available for adoption as a pet or companion animal when no longer needed by the University for animal use activities under the following conditions:
- The Principal Investigator of the animal use activity has determined that euthanasia is not required to complete the specific aims of the activity.
- The animal is in good health, has a suitable temperament, and is suitable for adoption as confirmed by the Office of the Campus Veterinarian (OCV).
UCR staff and faculty or individuals known directly by OCV staff or the PI are eligible to adopt animals and assume permanent ownership.
The adopting party and OCV representative will complete the OCV adoption form which includes:
a. The adopting party's full name, address
b. A description of the animal(s)
c. List of the animal(s)’s current vaccinations (if applicable)
d. An acknowledgment that the animal had been used for research/teaching purposes, that they plan to keep the animal as their personal pet, and that they release UCR from any responsibility.
CATS
A University-owned cat will be made available for adoption as a pet or companion animal when it is no longer needed by the University for animal use activities under the following conditions stated above.
UCR staff and faculty or individuals known directly by OCV staff are eligible to adopt cats and assume permanent ownership. If no University staff or faculty is found to adopt the cat, the animal will be offered to an animal adoption organization such as a rescue, foster, or county shelter that will agree to assume full responsibility for the care and welfare of that animal until a permanent home can be found.
The adopting party and OCV representative will complete:
- APHIS Form 7006 for cat adoptions.
- The OCV adoption form as listed in the previous section.
Any questions regarding this should be directed to the Office of the Campus Veterinarian (951-827-5845).
Originally adopted: 5/6/95; Updated: 12/9/04, 9/1/10, 7/18/22