Transporting Animals

Many aspects of animal welfare addressed in federal regulations and guidelines play a significant role in controlling research variability, e.g., maintaining controlled environmental ventilation, temperature and humidity; reducing stressors such as temperature extremes, smells, excessive noise and confrontations with other animals; preventing injury to the animals; and maintenance of an animal's current health status by avoiding exposure to potential pathogens. Human health concerns such as allergies of animal origin, microorganisms, chemicals, radioactive materials or escaped animals are addressed in federal regulations under "Occupational Health". Therefore, when transporting animals to any location, consideration should be given to protecting the animals and protecting humans.

To ensure these regulations and concerns are addressed with animal transport, the Office of the Campus Veterinarian has established the following guidelines for animal transport at Texas A&M University, College Station Campus.

1. All methods of transporting TAMU animals must provide for the health and welfare of the animals.
2. Transportation of animals must be done in a direct and timely manner, avoiding public areas and areas primarily used by other TAMU employees.
3. Animals must not be transported with any other animal, substance or device that may potentially cause injury to the animal.
4. Enclosures containing live animals must be handled carefully. They must not be tossed, dropped, needlessly tilted, or stacked in a manner which could result in their falling, or handled in any manner which may cause physical trauma or distress to the animals.
5. Temperature extremes must be avoided when animals are transported. When temperatures are below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, special precautions (environmentally controlled vehicles) must be used.
6. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) regulations must be followed when transporting AWA regulated animals. Animals regulated under the AWA include: dogs, cats, non-human primates, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, non-domesticated species (captive wild species), agricultural animals used in biomedical research, and any other warm-blooded animal species the USDA chooses to include under the law. Transportation of animals must also comply with applicable state and local laws and regulations.
7. Animals must be transported in a cage, carrier or container. These primary enclosures must be constructed of materials that can be sanitized, or disposed of, and prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms, chemicals or radioactive materials where indicated. The containers shall be:
   1. escape proof (there must be a latch or locking mechanism to prevent unintended opening),
   2. labeled as "live animals",
   3. provide adequate ventilation (Note: stacking rodent cages or using fully enclosed cardboard boxes does not provide adequate ventilation)
8. The enclosures should be opaque or shielded to reduce visual stimuli to the animals.
9. Cargo areas of vehicles used in the transportation of animals must be cleaned and disinfected to prevent contamination of future animal deliveries.