NIH Vertabrate Animal Section (VAS) Guidelines

It is a requirement of NIH Policy that the use of all vertebrate animals be covered under an animal care and use protocol at the home institution. A grant will not be fully awarded until an animal care and use protocol is in place. It is a requirement the university confirms the animal work on the grant is covered under the protocol submitted with the grant application. The IACUC compares the Vertebrate Animal Section (VAS) of the grant to the protocol the PI submits in support the grant to ensure all work in the grant is covered under the animal protocol. If the animal protocol does not cover the animal work in the grant, the PI will be required to amend the protocol to reflect the work in the grant.

DLAM and the NU-IACUC has drafted suggested text for parts of your VAS as well as matching sections of your animal care and use protocol to the sections the VAS.  See document below.

• Instructions for completing the VAS
  • Worksheet For Review of the VAS (.pdf)
  • Preparing the VAS (.pdf)