- 1. Overview of OLAC Services
OLAC supports ethical and compliant animal research by providing:
- Guidance and tools for Animal ordering and management.
- Training & certification.
- Veterinary consultation.
- Facility access & shared room scheduling.
- 2. Getting Started
- Visit the OLAC PI Resources page.
- Log in with your Calnet ID to access all online forms and resources.
- 3. Ordering Animals
- Set Up Your OLAC Account
- complete the Recharge Account Application
- Gain Access to the Animal Ordering Tool (Cayuse)
- Ensure your name appears on an approved protocol.
- The PI Must email olacit@berkeley.edu to authorize your ordering privileges.
- Access the OLAC Animal Ordering System.
- Step-by-step instructions: How to Order Animals in Cayuse.
- Monitor Your Order
- Track order status and delivery updates in your Cayuse portal.
- For urgent requests or changes, contact the OLAC Animal Buyer directly.
- Set Up Your OLAC Account
- 4. Facility Access & Room Scheduling
Facility Orientation Access Request
- Schedule an orientation to review safety protocols
- Submit your completed facility access request form at the end of orientation to the orientation facilitator.
- Tip: Allow 3-5 business days for processing.
Room Booking
- Use the OLAC Meeting Room Booking System to reserve procedure rooms
- Confirm availability and observe all posted time limits.
- 5. Veterinary Support
- Request services using the Research Services Request Form.
- Report animal health concerns immediately to OLAC Vet Staff or email olac_vetstaff@berkeley.edu
- Access treatment records and recommendations via the online portal.
- Emergency after-hours: Call "3-VETS" or (510) 643-8387
- 6. Compliance & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of all animal use.
- Submit annual protocol renewals and amendments to time to the ACUC.
- Report adverse events or unexpected outcomes promptly.
- Report to OLAC or ACUC anyone who is no longer with the lab
- 7. Help & Resources
Key Contacts:
- OLAC Help Desk: olac@berkeley.edu
- ACUC Office: acuc@berkeley.edu
- OLAC Trainer: olactrainer@berkeley.edu
- Full OLAC Directory: olac.berkeley.edu/olac-directory
Resources:
- 8. Tips for Success
- Keep training up to date—set calendar reminders for renewals.
- Communicate proactively with OLAC and ACUC staff.
- Use the portal dashboard to stay organized with tasks and deadlines.
- Subscribe to your lab's listservs for important updates.
OLAC Quick Start Guide For New Lab Members/Researchers
Welcome to the Office of Laboratory Animal Care (OLAC)!
This guide will help you confidently navigate OLAC's services and ensure your animal research projects begin smoothly and in compliance with institutional and federal regulations.
For protocol-related issues, please contact the Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC) at acuc@berkeley.edu.
The Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC), the Office for Animal Care & Use (OACU) and the OLAC vet staff, have developed a series of ACUC Pre-Approved Procedures. As procedures are approved by ACUC they will be listed below and they can be copied and pasted into protocols as needed. If researchers deviate from what has been pre-approved, the variation and rationale must be fully explained in the protocol and be approved by ACUC before the modification can be implemented.
Blood Collection
- Anesthetized Mice
- Anesthetized Rats
- Conscious Mice
- Conscious Rats
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
- Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT)
Compound Administration
- Compound Administration: Mice and Rats
- Diabetes Induction and Monitoring in Mice
- Procedure Acute Peritonitis
- Thioglycollate Induction of Activated Macrophages
Euthanasia
Rodent Behavioral Tests
Rodent Surgical Procedures
- Performing Skin Grafts in Mice
- Steps for positioning a mouse in a stereotaxic apparatus
- Stereotaxic Compound Administration in Mice
- Stereotaxic Compound Administration in Rat