Animal Adoption
IACUC Policy
Effective Date: April 2026
I. Purpose
This policy establishes the guidelines and criteria for making animals owned by the University that were involved in IACUC approved animal use activities available for adoption.
II. Regulatory or Accreditation Authority
Section 66017.7 of the CA Education Code
III. Policy
A. University-owned animals may be made available for adoption as a pet or companion animal under the following conditions:
- The Principal Investigator of the animal use activity has determined that euthanasia is not required to complete the specific aims of the IACUC approved animal use protocol.
- The animal is in good health and is suitable for adoption as confirmed by UCSF LARC veterinarians.
- Should dogs or cats be used in research, UCSF will comply with Section 66017.7 of the CA Education Code.
B. The usual mechanism for animal adoption is identification of an employee or other UCSF affiliate who wishes to assume permanent ownership of that animal. For some species, an animal sanctuary may also be considered.
C. Individuals interested in adopting submit information regarding their knowledge of species-specific care and welfare requirements and plans for care and housing of the animal to the UCSF LARC Attending Veterinarian.
D. Prior to adoption, animals may be vaccinated and/or spayed/neutered/sterilized by LARC veterinarians as appropriate for the species. The adopter may receive a clinical summary for the adopted animal.
IV. References
Title 3. Postsecondary Education, Cal. Education Code § 66017.7
Adoption/Rehoming/Retirement of Laboratory Animals after Research