About Us

The Program in Comparative Medicine and Veterinary Resources (CM/VR) supports the use of animal models of human biology in translational biomedical research and discovery. With animal research, the similarities and differences among species are leveraged to better understand, diagnose, prevent, and treat human disease.  A collegial sharing of expertise between Veterinary Resources (VR) and other essential UMB departments and services (i.e., OAWA, IACUC, EHS, OHS) provides a safe, ethical, humane and legal environment for the advancement of biomedical research.

Veterinary Resources (VR) works to ensure that:

• UMB researchers have access to critical animal research models
• Husbandry provisions are at least consistent with, and many times exceed the guidelines in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Edition 8
• Training is provided to ensure everyone using animals in research are employing safe, humane, and effective strategies promoting animal well-being
• Animals are monitored as needed to optimize well-being
• Veterinary care is provided on a 24/7 basis
• Surgical support is provided when requested
• Veterinary consultations are available for animal use protocol submissions and amendments
• GLP studies are supported
• Researchers maintain compliant with IACUC guidelines