11.2018 | THE SCIENTIST 47Rhodes’s lab and enlisted his help in writ-
ing a protocol for the study to submit to
the Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee (IACUC).
The researchers proposed an experi-
ment in which Ramp and Sampson would
enter a room housing mice, and Sampson
would lie on a mat. Ramp would record
for ultrasonic vocalizations and assess the
animals’ anxiety through behavioral tests.
These results—along with levels of blood
corticosterone—would be compared with
the outcomes of the same experiments con-
ducted by Ramp without Sampson pres-
ent. (Ramp says she would work to ensure
that the environment would be free of pos-
sible triggers and that she’d have help from
Sampson immediately if she started to have
symptoms. “The experiments would take
place in short 10- to 15-minute increments
so that I would only be separated from him
for a short period,” Ramp explains.)The study could provide data to guide
appropriate policies regarding service
animals in labs with live animals, Ramps
says, and either give her confidence to
pursue research that involves rodents or
push her in a different direction. But to
her and Rhodes’s surprise, the IACUC
rejected the protocol—twice.
The first rejection, from last December,
simply cites “insufficient justification for
the use of live vertebrate animals (mice).”SERVICE DOGS IN THE LAB
When a student with a service animal chooses to take a laboratory course, she should contact the institution’s disability services offi ce to help
arrange accommodations. In consultation with the faculty and staff in charge of the lab sessions, the case worker and student can devise a plan
to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
LABORATORY ACCOMMODATIONS FOR SERVICE DOGSConsider outfi tting animals with per-
sonal protective equipment (googles,
boots, lab coat)Choose an appropriate lab bench position for the student/dog team (back
corner where dog can lay directly behind student out of traffi c)Ensure easy access to an exit and
safety showerDevelop in-class protocols (e.g., the lab manager can
supply the student’s bench area with equipment and
reagents before class starts; service dog teams should
use communal equipment fi rst or last)Find an appropriate lab partner (who is willing to help with steps that may
not be easy or possible for a student with a service dog)- Willing to wear boots, goggles, and other protective gear
- Trained to lie on a mat with rubber backing for extended periods
- Trained to NOT automatically retrieve items off the ground
- Conditioned for emergency situations
- Willing to stand under a safety shower
- Trained to fi nd an exit
TRAINING A SERVICE DOG FOR A LABORATORY ENVIRONMENT