Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I obtain access to ordering animals?

  Research staff on an approved CLICK protocols will have access to order animals within the AOPs system.

• How do I include a new funding source on my protocol?

  The Department's Fiscal Officer is responsible for including the account information in AOPS for billing purposes. Please contact the Click AOPS help desk (clickhelpdesk@msu.edu) regarding Fiscal Officer access to AOPs.

• How do I ensure I can get the animals I need in time for my study?
  Animal orders must be ordered at least one week in advance. Orders placed by Wednesday 10am will arrive the following week. Delivery date options are available and are provided within AOPs.
• How can my lab obtain drugs / prescriptions (controlled substances) for our procedures?

  For non-controlled substances, please see: Veterinary Medical Supplies

  For controlled drugs, the head of the laboratory (Principal Investigator or designee) is responsible for obtaining a DEA license; see Getting Started with Controlled Substances and Veterinary Medical Supplies

   

• I am a new researcher on campus and need to know how to get started on my research?

  Contact carinfo@msu.edu for question regarding facilities, animal ordering or contacting a veterinarian for a veterinary consultation.  Contact iacuc@msu.edu for questions regarding the protocol review and submission process.

   

• What special procedures do research staff/students need to follow within CAR animal facilities?

  As expected within all areas of MSU and on campus, please wear a face covering, maximize social distances, wash hands frequently, abide by room capacity allowances, and always schedule time in the animal rooms using Google calendars.  Reach out to carinfo@msu.edu if there is a Google calendar for which access is needed.

   

• How do I contact a veterinarian during working hours or after-hours/weekends for animal care concerns?

  On the East Lansing Campus

  • Weekdays (8:00am-5:00pm) - Email carvets@msu.edu
  • Afterhours and weekends - Email carvets@msu.edu, or for emergencies, call (517)884-8527.

   

  For Grand Rapids Research Center (GRRC)

  • Weekdays (7:30am-4:00pm) - Email ORRS.DL.CARGRRCVETS@msu.edu
  • Afterhours and weekend – Email ORRS.DL.CARGRRCVETS@msu.edu, or for emergencies call (517)884-8527.
• How do I fill out a veterinary health request form for an animal to be seen by CAR vet staff?
  Enter all requested information: PI information, IACUC protocol number, animal information, location of cage, date of observation, and signs of illness.
  Initial your documentation.
  

  1. Place a red acetate cage card in the cage card holder to notify that cage requires attention.
  2. Remove the white paper portion (top sheet) of the health request card and place in the facility’s designated location.
  3. Mark the cage for later ease of assessment
  4. Place the tan portion of completed health request card in the cage card holder

  

  Remember to contact the veterinary staff by email or phone to inform others that this case is to be evaluated by CAR veterinary team members.

• The animal strain I want to order isn’t in AOPs. What do I do?

  Approved animal strains can be added into AOPS by request. If you cannot find the strain you are looking for, please email the strain and stock number to CARinfo@msu.edu.

Commonly Requested Links

• Review your approved procedures – Click login
• IG003 Guideline on Rodent Surgery (PDF)
• IG004 Guideline on Non-Rodent Surgery (PDF)
• Import animals from a collaborating institution - Rodent Import Request Form (PDF)
• Export animals to a collaborating institution - Rodent Export Request Form (PDF)
• Ensure repetition of experimental steps and procedures - https://vimeo.com/358069203