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CCAC Timelines for Rat and Mouse Housing Requirements
The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) has determined that all existing, non-compliant mouse and rat cages within certified institutions must be replaced by the following schedule: 33% by April 21, 2025, 66% by April 21, 2028, and 100% by April 21, 2031. This decision is based on fairness, consistency, animal welfare considerations, and current supply of larger cages. Please note that all newly acquired mouse and rat cages must meet the housing guidelines described in the CCAC guidelines: Mice (2019) and the CCAC guidelines: Rats (2020). Moving forward, the CCAC will actively seek updates from program participants on their progress toward these goals during assessment visits and communications.
Guidance on implementation timelines will also be removed from the above-mentioned guidelines documents, and a document will be published shortly exploring some of the most frequently asked questions regarding behavioural and engineering expectations for housing conditions.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to .