Should emergency veterinary care only be available during business hours?

Emergency veterinary care should not be limited to business hours because animal welfare is paramount in research settings. Research animals may experience unexpected health issues or emergencies outside of standard operating times, and timely intervention is critical for their well-being.

In an IACUC context, it is essential to ensure that veterinary care is accessible at all times to address emergencies promptly. This availability aligns with the ethical obligation to prevent unnecessary suffering and to promote humane treatment of animals used in research.

Inadequate emergency care during off-hours poses a significant risk to the health of the animals and could lead to severe consequences, including compromised research integrity and violations of animal welfare regulations. Having continuous access to emergency veterinary services underscores the commitment to responsible animal care and the humane standards required by regulatory guidelines.