User Fees & Animal Census

The charges for animal care are determined by a per diem rate for each species that includes the cost of labor, food, bedding and supplies. The rates are revised annually after evaluation by the University's resident federal auditors. Investigators are billed monthly and charges are based on a daily census.

Bar Coded Cage Card System  

The Animal Resource Program (ARP) uses a computer generated cage card system that uses bar codes, similar to those seen on many products sold in retail stores today, to collect and analyze animal census data. Animal care charges in all ARP facilities are automatically tabulated using this system. The bar coding system provides for more accurate population counts and charging of per diem costs to investigators. However, the system requires input from both ARP personnel and investigative staff to work correctly.

The ARP office generates bar coded cage card(s) for placement on each cage. A bar code will be generated for each animal in a cage. Cages containing three or fewer animals will have one to three cage cards with one bar code printed on each card. Cages containing four or more animals will have one cage card with multiple bar codes printed on the card.

ARP personnel regularly scan all of the cage cards in the animal facilities with a computerized bar code reader. Do not turn these cards over in order to make notations-the bar codes need to be easily accessible to ARP staff. Also, marking on or near the barcode will delay the scanning process and may lead to an inaccurate census.

Investigator responsibilities: Cage card deactivation

If an animal is permanently removed from a facility the bar code for that animal must be deactivated so the animal is no longer counted during scanning. Deactivating bar coded cage cards is a simple process that is done by the investigator and/or their staff.

1. For multiple bar coded cage cards, simply cross off a bar code completely so that it is unreadable (a sharpie does this very well) for each animal removed from that cage.
2. For single bar coded cage cards or cards with multiple bar codes all crossed off, remove the bar coded cage card from the empty cage.
3. On the front of the card, write the date in which the cage is no longer in use and initial.
4. Drop the cage card in the cage card deactivation envelopes found in each of our facilities.
5. Cards should be turned in daily. ARP staff will routinely pick up cards and turn them in for deactivation.

Per diem charges are calculated based on the number of active bar codes listed under an investigator's name. Deactivation of bar coded cage cards is required to discontinue per diem charging for each animal.

If you have questions about the bar coding system or deactivating cage cards please contact the ARP office at 865-1495.