Office of Animal Resources
OFFICE OF ANIMAL RESOURCES
The Office of Animal Resources is committed to supporting the ethical and humane care of animals used in biomedical research. We work closely with investigators and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to ensure all animal use aligns with the highest welfare and regulatory compliance standards. Our dedicated team offers expert guidance, training, and resources to promote responsible research practices.
We oversee four animal facilities—three located on our Pomona, California campus and one in Lebanon, Oregon—each maintained to provide excellent care and support for research animals and the teams who work with them
- Mission Statement: To provide excellent animal care and support to the Western University research community, the Office of Animal Resources encourages growth and development while ensuring the institution adheres to federal, state, local, and institutional regulations regarding the care and use of animals in research.
The Office of Animal Resources is vital in providing scientific support for WUHS programs using animals in biomedical research. OAR has several key values that guide our team’s approach to animal welfare, service delivery, and community engagement:
- Ethical Standards: We believe in treating animals humanely and upholding the highest standards of regulatory compliance and ethical guidelines, as outlined in the Animal Welfare Act, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, and the Public Health Service Policy.
- Animal Health and Well-being: We ensure animals used in biomedical research are properly cared for by a team of well-trained and experienced veterinarians and staff. We maintain research animals in environments that aim to mitigate stress and disease, and we monitor animal health daily to promptly treat any injuries or illnesses.
- Research Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability in every stage of the research process. We are dedicated to providing the gold standard of animal care. We are a liaison that upholds the institution’s commitment to ethical standards, ensuring that the public trusts that the research is conducted responsibly and rigorously.
- Training and Support: We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning by providing rigorous training and professional development opportunities that empower researchers and our animal care staff to uphold the highest standards of animal welfare and scientific integrity.
- Advocating for Animals: We serve as advocates for the animals used in biomedical research, ensuring that their needs are met and that research protocols are designed in ways that minimize harm and distress. We implement enrichment activities, encourage social interactions, and address any illness or welfare concerns to ensure both their physical and psychological needs are met. We care for animals not just as subjects, but as living beings with their own intrinsic value.
- Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
- Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) Polices and Laws (includes PHS policy, 2011 “The Guide”)
Meet the team
Marissa Saenz
Research and Biotechnology
Attending Veterinarian
Rafael Perez
Office of Animal Resources
Director of Office of Animal Resources
Pomona, CA Campus
Office of Animal Resources
Animal Care Technician Supervisor
Office of Animal Resources
Animal Care Technician
Office of Animal Resources
Animal Care Technician
Office of Animal Resources
Animal Care Technician
Office of Animal Resources
Animal Care Technician Assistant
Office of Animal Resources
Animal Care Technician Assistant
Back-up Attending Veterinarian
Back-up Attending Veterinarian
Lebanon, OR Campus
Office of Animal Resources
Manager of Research and Animal Care Operations
Office of Animal Resources
Laboratory and Animal Care Technician
Office of Animal Resources
Laboratory and Animal Care Technician Assistant
Back-Up Veterinarian
Contact the Office of animal resources
Office Hours
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday
Mailing Address
Western University of Health Sciences
Office of Animal Resources
309 East Second Street
Pomona, CA 91766-1854
The best way to reach us is by email at: