Department of Animal Resources

The Department of Animal Resources (DAR) is the university-wide department that provides animal procurement, daily animal care, animal health care, and scientific support for USC programs using animals in research and teaching. The Executive Director of DAR serves as the Attending Veterinarian for USC and reports directly to the Vice President of Research, who serves as the Institutional Official (IO) for animal subjects.

The DAR provides administrative support and veterinary membership to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), which is responsible for program and facility review, and review and approval of animal research and teaching protocols, renewals, and amendments. These three components (Institutional Official, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and Attending Veterinarian) are required by federal regulations regarding the use of animals in research and teaching.

Our Mission Statement:
To promote the highest standards of animal care, use, and well-being to enhance life sciences, research, and education.