• Use this form for requesting ethical approval for research or teaching involving the use of live vertebrate animals Animal Research Ethics Committee - AEC Application form (FHS003)
• Use this form for requesting ethical approval for using animal material only: Use of Animal Biological Material (FHS029)
• Use this form (external researchers) to apply for reciprocal acknowledgement from FHS AEC Reciprocal acknowledgement (FHS030)
• Use of Animal Data (FHS033)

• Use this form when amending a currently approved protocol
  • AREC Amendment Form (FHS005) 
  • FHS005 Signature Page

• Use the following form to submit annual progress reports or final reports: Live Animal Study Annual Progress or Final Report (FHS004) or Animal Material Study Annual Progress or Final Report (FHS004AM)
• Use this form to provide feedback on a pilot study involving animals Pilot Feedback Report Form (FHS032)

• Use this form to report any adverse event or unanticipated problem affecting animal welfare, any animal deaths and euthanasia due to animals found sick or in distress, protocol deviations or violations Protocol Violations, Deviations, Unanticipated Problems and Adverse Events Form (FHS031)

• UCT research ethics code for use of animals in research and teaching
• UCT policy and standard operating procedures regarding scientific use of non-human primates
• Faculty of Health Sciences use of animals in teaching and research: standard operating procedures

• SANS (10386:2008) The care and use of animals for scientific purposes (Edition 1).

Provides the minimum benchmark to ensure ethical and humane care of animals used for scientific and teaching activities, in line with the fundamental principles of Replace, Reduce and Refine animal use. AECs and researchers are expected to familiarise themselves with these guidelines, as appropriate

• Department of Health: Ethics in Health Research: Principles, Structures and Processes, 2015

AECs and researchers that review and conduct health research using animals must adhere to the Department of Health (2015) guidelines/ NHREC requirements for animal research ethics.

• South African Ethics in Health Research Guidelines: Principles, Processes and Structures 2024

• US Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare
• US Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
• Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animials for Scientific Purposes (8th Edition 2013)
• EUs Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes  
• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (8th Edition)
• Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching  
• NC3Rs ARRIVE Guidelines - The ARRIVE guidelines (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) are a checklist of information to include in publications describing animal research  
• Scientists Center for Animal Welfare
• Database on Refinement of Housing and Handling Conditions and Environmental Enrichment for Laboratory Animals (Rodents, Rabbits, Cats, Dogs, Ferrets, Farm Animals, Horses, Birds, Fishes, Amphibians, and Reptiles.

• Introductory Course in Laboratory Animal Science the ethics, care and use of animals for scientific purposes

  All faculty, staff, and students involved with the use of vertebrate animals in research and  teaching purposes are required to complete the Introductory Course in Laboratory Animal Science the ethics, care and use of animals for scientific purposes before protocols are submitted for AEC approval. Please contact UCT Research Animal Facility and Veterinary Scientific Services for more information on the course .

• The submission and meeting dates for 2024 are as follows:
  
   
• Protocols should be submitted as early as possible BEFORE the submission date. This is essential to facilitate assessment by the reviewers prior to the full committee meeting. Submissions received late will be held until the next scheduled meeting. Please only use the latest forms available here as they will always be the most current version. Older versions of the forms will not be accepted
• Kindly note that the VSS (Veterinary Support Services) deadline date includes the timeline and time taken for any changes recommended by VSS and PI application revisions of protocols. Kindly ensure corrections are submitted timeously to VSS (at least 1 week prior to formal FHS AEC submission deadline via email to fhsanimalresearch@uct.ac.za)

Email fhsanimalresearch@uct.ac.za for the latest fee structure

The fee structure is developed purely to cover costs associated with animal research ethics review administration. The decision of the Animal Ethics Committee whether to approve a protocol is NOT in any way linked to payment of the ethics fee. If you have questions, please contact the Animal Ethics Administrative staff for information regarding the fee schedule.

Please refer to the Application forms and templates section of this webpage for all latest application forms.

AEC approval is valid for 3 years, after which an application for renewal or extension has to be submitted for review and approval .

Please send all questions to fhsanimalresearch@uct.ac.za.

Yes, you are not allowed to commence any research or teaching activities using dead animals or animal materiaL unless approval is obtained from the AEC.

Yes, you are not permitted to order or house any animals for research or teaching activities before AEC approval is granted.

Please send all questions to fhsanimalresearch@uct.ac.za.

Yes, please submit application for review and approval before commencement of study.

Yes, no teaching or any animal activities can commence without AEC approval

If you want to make any changes in the approved protocol before the expiry date.

Please complete and submit the final report form .