Veterinary Service Center– In the department of Comparative Medicine.

Veterinary Service Center Training Programs

Animal Care and Use Training Program (VSC-PROG-0001)

This training program is an introduction to the care and use of animals in research and teaching at Stanford University. All faculty, staff and students who will be involved in the use of laboratory animals are expected to complete this training.

The Animal Care and Use Training Program is a web-based course that consists of reviewing a training module and passing a quiz. Allow at least an hour to complete the training and 20 minutes to take the quiz.

For important instructions on how to complete the web-based Animal Care and Use Training Program, click here.

Taking Web-Based Training Using STARS - VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION!

Please be sure to follow these recommendations anytime you take web-based training using the Stanford Training & Registration System (STARS):

If you don’t use an approved browser, you may not get credit for completing the course or quiz!

Registration and attendance tracking for the Animal Care and Use Training Program uses the Stanford Training and Registration System (STARS), via the Stanford Axess portal. You must have a SUNet ID to register for the course. For information about SUNet IDs, see https://sunetid.stanford.edu/. For more information about STARS, visit http://stars.stanford.edu. There are help tools on this web site, including information about training demos, on-line training, quick guides, FAQs, and handbooks.

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LORRY LOKEY STEM CELL RESEARCH BUILDING (SIM1) ANIMAL FACILITY TRAINING (VSC-PROG-0006)

This training is required for anyone requesting access to the animal facility located in the Lorry Lokey Stem Research Building (SIM1). Once you complete both the on-line training (including a quiz) and the facility orientation tour, print out your STARS Learning Home Page as proof of completion and submit it with your request for access to the Veterinary Service Center Office in RAF AF067.

For detailed instructions on how to enroll in the training, CLICK HERE.

For detailed instruction on how to request facility access, CLICK HERE.

Registration and attendance tracking for VSC courses uses the Stanford Training and Registration System (STARS), via the Stanford Axess portal. You must have a SUNet ID to register or to get credit for attending. For information about SUNet IDs, see https://sunetid.stanford.edu/. For more information about STARS, visit http://stars.stanford.edu. There are help tools on this web site, including information about training demos, on-line training, quick guides, FAQs, and handbooks.

The Lorry Lokey Stem Cell Research Building Animal Facility Training Resource Page has important information about policies and procedures unique to SIM1.

For questions regarding the training program, please contact:

Jennifer Lee [jlee3], Training & Compliance Coordinator
(650) 725-9901

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VSC Hands-on Workshops

The Veterinary Service Center (VSC) offers a variety of hands-on workshops covering common procedures used when working with laboratory animals. 

Course fees apply for all workshops:

Course Title (Course Code)

Fee/Student

Mouse Handling & Basic Techniques Workshop (VSC-0021)

$70

Rodent Aseptic Surgery Workshop (VSC-0022)

$70

Rat Handling & Basic Techniques Workshop (VSC-0023)

$70

Introduction to Stereotaxic Surgery Workshop (VSC-0025)

 $75

Mouse Breeding Workshop (VSC-0026)

$70

Course fees can be paid two ways, which affects how you enroll:

For detailed instructions on how to enroll in VSC Workshops, CLICK HERE.

Prerequisites: VSC-PROG-0001 is a pre-requisite for most workshops, and other pre-requisites may apply.

Registration and attendance tracking for VSC Workshops uses the Stanford Training and Registration System (STARS), via the Stanford Axess portal. You must have a SUNet ID to register or to get credit for attending. For information about SUNet IDs, see https://sunetid.stanford.edu/. For more information about STARS, visit http://stars.stanford.edu. There are help tools on this web site, including information about training demos, on-line training, quick guides, FAQs, and handbooks.

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Mouse Handling and Basic Techniques Workshop (VSC-0021)

In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to handle mice, assess health, and perform basic blood sampling and dosing techniques.  In addition, you will learn about appropriate, approved methods of anesthesia and euthanasia.

Course fee is $70. Pre-registration is required.  All skill levels accepted.  Participants must have completed the Animal Care and Use training seminar (VSC-PROG-0001). The instructor is Greg Nelson, RVT, LATG. Class size is limited to 12.  All workshops start promptly at 9:00 AM.

For detailed instructions on how to register for VSC Workshops, click here.

This workshop is normally scheduled on the first Thursday of each month. The following workshops are currently scheduled:

Check back often for the schedule of future workshops. For questions, please contact Greg Nelson [gnelson] (498-6729) or Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901). 

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Rodent Aseptic Surgery Techniques Workshop (VSC-0022)

This hands-on workshop will help you interpret Stanford’s rodent aseptic surgery technique guidelines, learn how to set up and maintain sterile technique when performing rodent surgery, choose appropriate instrument sterilization methods, and learn surgical wound closure techniques, including suture patterns.  This is primarily a dry lab, using materials in place of live animals. 

Course fee is $70. Pre-registration is required.  All skill levels accepted.  Participants must have completed the Animal Care and Use training seminar (VSC-PROG-0001).  The instructor is Stephen Felt, DVM, MPH, DACLAM, DACVPM.  Class size is limited to 8.  All workshops start promptly.

For detailed instructions on how to register for VSC Workshops, click here.

The following workshops are currently scheduled:

Check back often for the schedule of future workshops. For questions, please contact Dr. Stephen Felt [felt] (723-5305 ) or Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901). 

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Rat Handling and Basic Techniques Workshop (VSC-0023)

In this hands-on workshop, you will learn to handle rats, assess health, perform basic blood sampling/dosing techniques, and appropriate, approved methods of anesthesia and euthanasia. All skill levels accepted.

Course fee is $70. Pre-registration is required.  All skill levels accepted.  Participants must have completed the Animal Care and Use training seminar (VSC-PROG-0001). The instructor is Greg Nelson, RVT, LATG. Class size is limited to 8.  All workshops start promptly at 9:00 AM.

For detailed instructions on how to register for VSC Workshops, click here.

The following workshops are currently scheduled:

Check back often for the schedule of future workshops. For questions, please contact Greg Nelson [gnelson] (725-5471) or Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901). 

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Introduction to Stereotaxic Surgery in Rodents Workshop (VSC-0025)

This workshop includes demonstration and hands-on practice for basic stereotaxic surgery technique in rodents. Topics included identifying brain coordinates, setting up and using the stereotaxic device and aseptic technique. Limited to 4 students.

Check back often for the schedule of future workshops. For questions, please contact Dr. Megan Albertelli [megan.albertelli] (725-3603) or Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901). 

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Mouse Breeding Techniques Workshop (VSC-0026)

In this workshop, you will learn about mouse reproductive physiology & behavior, mouse breeding systems, weaning criteria according to our guidelines, and more. Laboratory activities to include sex identification, plug checking, tail biopsies and identification. 

Course fee is $70. Pre-registration is required.  All skill levels accepted.  Participants must have completed the Animal Care and Use training seminar (VSC-PROG-0001).  The instructor is Stephanie Torreilles, DVM, DACLAM.  Class size is limited to 12.  All workshops start promptly.

For detailed instructions on how to register for VSC Workshops, click here.

The following workshops are currently scheduled:

Check back often for the schedule of future workshops. For questions, please contact Dr. Stephanie Torreilles [storreil] (725-5471) or Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901). 

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Hands-on Individualized Training

Hands-on individualized training on specific procedures may be scheduled through the VSC by completing a “Veterinary Technical Training of Personnel Request” form found on the VSC Forms web site, on the door of the RAF Instrument Preparation Room (AF003C&D), or by contacting a veterinary technician at 650-724-5524. Fees apply, and are based on the published rates for VSC Animal Health Technician or Veterinarian time. Requests for routine procedures covered in VSC Workshops will be referred to workshop enrollment.


Non-Human Primates; Sheep/Q Fever (VSC-PROG-0002; VSC-PROG-0003)

“Working Safely with Non-human Primates” and “Working Safely with Pregnant/Neonatal Sheep” are two specialized training seminars which cover precautions to be taken when working with these higher-risk animals. The sessions are required for all Stanford faculty, staff and students who will be working with either:

These training seminars are scheduled on an as-needed basis by contacting Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901)

For additional requirements of the Laboratory Animal Occupational Health Program (LAOHP) when working with these species, see the EH&S web site: http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/medsurv/labanimal/index.html.

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Working Safely with Biohazardous Agents in Laboratory Animals (VSC-PROG-0004)

This course is required for anyone using biohazardous agents in laboratory animals at Stanford University.  The course consists of two parts:

For detailed instructions on how to register for this course using the Stanford Axess portal, click here.

For additional information, or to schedule a meeting with the VSC and EH&S, please contact Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (725-9901).

For additional information about working safely with biohazardous agents at Stanford University, visit the EH&S Biosafety web site.

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Compassion Fatigue and the Use of Animals in Research (VSC-0011)

The human-animal bond in the field of animal research exists in many forms.  Kindness and concern for animals are desirable characteristics in animal care and research workers.  Therefore, to find that workers experience grief or bereavement at the death of animals used for research or teaching is not surprising.  Acknowledging that these feelings exist and providing support in the workplace is very important.  This seminar is designed to assist all members of the research team in understanding these common concerns and to provide suggestions and resources for managing human emotions in the care of laboratory animals.

Check back for a schedule of future seminars or contact Jennifer Lee [jlee3] ( 725-9901). 

 

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Additional Training Information

A copy of the Stanford University Guideline on the Animal Care and Use Training Program can be found in the Research Policy Handbook.

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Contacts

To sign up for upcoming training events, or if you have questions regarding the training program, contact Jennifer Lee [jlee3] (650-725-9901).

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