Certification

Maintaining a CCAC Certificate of GAP – Good Animal Practice® is an ongoing process, requiring institutions to participate fully in CCAC programs.

Every institution is subject to regular peer review by the CCAC, which involves an assessment of the institution’s animal care and use program, the effectiveness of its animal care committee to oversee the program, and the appropriateness of its animal facilities, practices, and procedures. A full panel of volunteer peer experts visits institutions every six years, and an associate director of assessment conducts an interim visit at the halfway mark between full panel visits. Interim visits are shorter as they mostly target new activities and/or areas of concern for the animal care committee. Assessments are based on CCAC guidelines, policies, and associated documents.

If conditions warrant it, or following a request by the institution or a member of the public, the CCAC will conduct a special visit to the institution. This ongoing, four level oversight system allows the CCAC to ensure that institutions are continually achieving high ethical standards of animal care and use.

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