Assessment Visits

When conducting a visit, the panel assesses the structure and resources of the animal care and use program, the composition, functioning and effectiveness of the animal care committee (ACC), and the appropriateness of animal care and use practices, procedures and facilities. Assessments are based on CCAC guidelines, policy statements and associated documents. Assessment visits are usually conducted by CCAC assessment panels. However, orientation, interim and special visits are usually conducted by an assessment director without a panel.

Types of Visits

The CCAC conducts different types of assessment visits:

• Institutions wishing to join the CCAC programs may request one or two orientation visits. A CCAC assessment director will visit the institution in order to explain the CCAC programs and to briefly assess the institution's plans and its strengths and weaknesses with respect to animal care and use.
• Full assessment visits (view agenda and Animal Care and Use Program Review Form (PRF)) are conducted by assessment panels for institutions that have already joined the CCAC programs. These visits are conducted every three years in order for the institution to maintain its certification. Before an assessment visit, the institution must fill out the CCAC PRF, to review its own program thoroughly and to provide details on each aspect of its animal-based program to the CCAC assessment panel members selected for the visit.
• Interim assessment visits (view agenda and PRF) are conducted for institutions that have achieved two consecutive statuses of Compliance (see CCAC policy statement on: certification of animal care and use programs), and that have identified NO significant changes or concerns when contacted prior to the visit. Interim assessment visits are scheduled three years after the last full assessment and are followed by a full assessment visit three years later. Generally, an assessment director conducts the interim assessment visit alone.
• Special assessment visits to an institution by an assessment director may be undertaken between full assessments if conditions at an institution warrant it, or following a request by the institution. These visits are usually conducted without a panel.