IACUC Policy #405 (“Single Housing of Social Species”) was recently updated to simplify the processes associated with oversight of singly housed animals. Specifically: 

1. IACUC approval is only required for animals that are singly housed for scientific necessity and only when they are singly housed for more than 12 hours. 
   1. Examples of scientific reasons include: 
      1. Behavioral studies 
      2. Food and/or fluid restriction or modification 
      3. Metabolic cages 
      4. Surgical manipulation (e.g., head cap, tether) 
   2. Single housing an animal for less than 12 hours does not require IACUC approval (i.e., does not need to be included in the IACUC protocol) 
2. Single housing of animals for veterinary and clinical reasons does not require IACUC review/approval but often requires consultation with Veterinary Services. These include social incompatibility: 
   1. For non-USDA-regulated species: 
      1. Lab members may separate animals that are socially incompatible (e.g., observed social incompatibility such as fighting, food guarding, etc.) to protect their welfare, but RAP Veterinary Services must be notified for a consultation. 
      2. Recombining of separated animals may occur but only under the direction of Veterinary Services. 
   2. For regulated species: 
      1. The AV or their designee will record the period of single housing and the frequency of re-evaluation in the animal’s medical record, will monitor the animal as noted and re-house the animal when the clinical concern is resolved.  
      2. These cases will be reported to the IACUC at the discretion of the AV. 
3. In addition, single housing for the following reasons does not require IACUC approval: 
   1. Attrition – Due to a lack of suitable littermate, death, weaning, separation, or new arrivals shipped separately. Note: Recombining of separated animals may occur but only under the direction of Veterinary Services. 
   2. Breeding: Stud males and pregnant females to prevent overcrowding or multiple litters. 
   3. Post-operative: Animals who have undergone surgery to protect the sutures/staples during the 7-14 day post-operative monitoring period. 
   4. Weight: Rats weighing over 500 g to prevent overcrowding. 

All cages must be appropriately labeled to indicate the reason for single housing, using the LAR Single Housing Stickers provided by LAR. Please contact LAR with questions.

Take this quick quiz to check your knowledge of single housing rules and processes!