Authorization to Visit the McGill University Animal Care Facilities

Statement of Policy*

As a publicly supported institution, McGill University and its affiliated hospitals (hereinafter referred to as the University) allows visitors to its animal care facilities, as long as they do not interfere with the care of the animals or with teaching and research activities of University faculty and students. The facilities, and the research projects that take place within them, represent a substantial investment of public and private funds, which the University has a responsibility to safeguard.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure access to animal care facilities by parties with a legitimate interest, the protection of staff, animals and facilities from infection, damage and disruption.

1. Any person may visit the University's animal care facilities, provided that:
   • the person has a valid reason for the visit;
   • the person makes a written application to the Vice-Principal (Research) at least one week in advance of the visit, completes and signs the Application, Covenant and Release provided by the University Relations Office;
   • the person may be requested to not engage in any filming, photography or recording by any audio or visual or audio-visual recording means of any kind during such visit. Arrangements can be made through the McGill University Relations Office in order to film or photograph a specific animal with the investigator, outside the animal facility.
2. Notwithstanding the above, if the University has reasonable grounds for believing that an applicant might cause infection, damage or disruption, it may refuse that person admittance to the facility.
3. Visits to animal care facilities may take place only at the times and locations designated by the University.
4. The University may limit the numbers of persons visiting the facility at any given time and may also limit the number of visits by any given person.
5. All visitors must be accompanied by members of the University's animal care staff and, at all times, obey their instructions with regard to proper behaviour in the facility.

* This policy shall apply to all animal care facilities of McGill University and its affiliated hospitals except those carried out on behalf of and/or at the request of the University in the conduct of official business.

Copy of blank application - Covenant Release:

Covenant and Release Application[.doc]