Adoption of research and teaching animals

he AVMA encourages research organizations and teaching institutions to develop adoption programs when feasible and appropriate. These organizations/institutions are most familiar with their respective animals and are best able to provide individualized assessment to ensure that each animal is matched with the most appropriate adopter. The AVMA supports the adoption of healthy, post-study research and teaching animals by long-term, caring adopters who can provide appropriate and humane living conditions for these animals. Research organization and teaching institution adoption programs typically fall under the purview of an oversight body (e.g., an IACUC) and must also comply with federal regulations or policies that protect the welfare and health of these animals.

The AVMA believes the following factors should be considered when developing a research organization and teaching institution adoption program and determining an animal's potential for adoption:

• The research organization or teaching institution adoption program must take into consideration all applicable federal regulations and state and local laws related to the transfer of animal ownership.
• The research organization or teaching institution's attending veterinarian, as the person responsible for the health and wellbeing of all research and teaching animals used at the organization/institution, must be involved with the development and oversight of the program. The involvement of the IACUC or another appropriate committee is encouraged.
• Each adoption must require approval of the attending veterinarian or designee, and the attending veterinarian or designee must have the discretion and authority to deny adoption requests.
• Each potential adoption must include expert veterinary guidance. The animal's suitability for adoption should be based upon the animal's species, health status, history, and observed behavior.
• When appropriate for the animal's health and welfare, the organization/institution should vaccinate and sterilize animals prior to adoption.
• Adopters should be informed and provided documentation regarding the animal's health and behavioral characteristics and needs, and other pertinent information.
• Adopters must accept legal and financial responsibility, in writing, and should demonstrate commitment to the life-long care of the animal, including veterinary care.
• Adoption programs that collaborate with third parties (e.g., shelters) should consider whether the third party's adoption program is consistent with the organization/institution's mission and values.