Laboratory Animal Resources Center

The Laboratory Animal Resources Center (LARC) supports and manages the care and veterinary oversight of vertebrate animals used in instruction, research, testing and production on the Oregon State University campus.

Our goal is to ensure and improve the health and well-being of animals and humans through training, education, research, and collaborative and interdisciplinary studies in a collegial, respectful work environment.

As the leading public research university in Oregon, the campus community is held to the highest standards for conducting responsible animal research. The LARC is managed and operated in compliance with the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Welfare Act Regulations. The university is fully accredited by AAALAC.  All LARC policies and procedures adhere firmly to the recommendations of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC 2011) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching (FASS 2010).

The LARC staff is composed of animal care technicians and veterinarians with specialty training and certifications specific to laboratory animal medicine and care. LARC employees are committed to providing an exemplary animal care and use program. This includes assuring humane care and use of animals through quality veterinary oversight, husbandry, social housing and environmental enrichment; facilitating campus research and instructional programs through collaboration, consultation, training, and provision of professional technical and clinical services; maintaining compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, and upholding the University’s academic mission, research agenda and commitment to public health and service.

Our Pledge

  • Assure humane care and use of animals through outstanding husbandry and veterinary care
  • Make human and animal safety a priority
  • Facilitate research and instructional programs through collaboration, consultation, and training
  • Provide professional technical and clinical veterinary services
  • Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations and accreditation standards
  • Uphold Oregon State University’s academic mission and commitment to public health and community service

The best animal welfare results in the best science.
Russell and Burch -1959