Ontario research and supply facilities face updated euthanasia rules, recordkeeping requirements and facility standards

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted

Starting in early 2027, research and supply facilities in Ontario that use animals must follow new euthanasia rules that replace the current lists of permitted procedures with references to the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) Euthanasia Guidelines tables. Facilities must also verify animal death before disposal and meet new requirements around how euthanasia is carried out, including that it results in rapid loss of consciousness. Recordkeeping obligations are expanding: records for dogs, cats and other research animals must now be kept for three years (up from two or one year), must include details about housing and care, and the retention period now runs from the earlier of the animal's last presence or death. Supply facilities must also keep records of any animals they euthanize. Facility construction standards are being updated — wall water-imperviousness requirements are broadened and corridors and cage-washing areas must meet new structural and sanitation standards, with phased-in timelines for existing facilities that apply when areas are next renovated. Research facilities must also maintain approved protocols describing how non-ambulatory animals are removed from post-operative recovery areas.

Who this affects
operators of registered research facilities · licensed operators of supply facilities · veterinarians and animal care staff at research and supply facilities · institutional animal care committees