Vivarium

Our Mission: To ensure animal welfare and support the innovative research at William Paterson University by providing excellent and sincere care of research animals, and high-quality services to our animal research community.

Access to the William Paterson University Vivarium is limited to university authorized personnel and to those listed on current IACUC approved protocols. All Vivarium participants must receive the tDAP vaccination prior to handling mice. This can be from any pharmacy or PCP of your choosing. Proof of vaccination must be sent to the Vivarium manager, Tiana Vacca, at vaccat1@wpunj.edu. WPU offers training courses through the CITI program that are required for any and all persons participating in Vivarium research. 

• Working with the IACUC - Investigators, Staff and Students 
• Reducing Pain and Distress in Laboratory Mice and Rats
• Working with Mice in Research Settings
• Human Research - Group 3: Student Human Subjects Researchers
• Biomedical Responsible Conduct of Research
• Research Security Training 

• Essentials for IACUC Members (This course provides in-depth training for IACUC members)
• IACUC Community Member (This course provides in-depth training for IACUC community members)

• Animal Care Policy
• 2022 Assurance
• Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals
• Animal Welfare Act

The University embraces the United States Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training. The University shall adhere to the Animal Welfare Act of August 24, 1966 (PL 89-544), as amended by the Act of December 24, 1970 (PL 91-579), the Act of April 22, 1976 (PL 94-279) December 23, 1985 (PL99-198), and to all subsequent revisions thereto. Additionally, the University shall adhere to The National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (most current edition) and to the Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. The University will adhere to the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals for methods of euthanasia of research animals (most current edition). 

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW): https://grants.nih.gov/policy-and-compliance/policy-topics/animal-welfare