How We Care For Our Animals
Good animal care and good science go hand in hand.
Everyone involved with animals in research has the responsibility to care about the animals’ welfare. At Wake Forest, animals are treated with compassion and respect, with attention given to their daily physical and psychological needs as well as their safety.
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Technician exercising ferrets |
Veterinarians with specialized training in laboratory animal medicine, along with veterinary technicians, provide medical care for our animals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our animal care staff provides expert husbandry. A team of Environmental Enrichment Specialists provides species-appropriate enrichment (toys, food, etc.) to animals so they can engage in their normal behaviors. |
A dedicated Laboratory Animal Training Coordinator provides hands-on training to research and animal care staff on how to properly handle animals and on various procedures.
The use of animals is highly regulated with numerous national, regional and local laws, regulations, policies, and guidelines set in place. Our animal research program is fully accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), which upholds the highest standards of welfare for research animals and is the gold standard for programs like ours.
The goal of everyone involved with animal research at WF is to make sure that animals are always treated ethically, humanely and with respect.