Number of cubicles/rooms

VA HANDBOOK 7610 (278)

(b) Aisle space between cubicles: 1525 mm (5') is minimally acceptable; 1830 mm

(6') or wider is strongly recommended.

(c) Number of cubicles/rooms: Varies according to room and cubicle size and

intended use of cubicles/rooms.

The following chart illustrates several variations in animal room space (NSM)

(NSF).

NSM (NSF) Animal Room

1220 mm x 1830 mm

1070 mm x 1675 mm

Aisle

Number

(4' x 6')

(3'6" x 5'6")

of Cubicles

Cubicle

__Width___

1830 mm (6')

4

20.9 (225)

18.1 (195)

6

29.3 (315)

25.6 (275)

2135 mm (7')

4

22.3 (240)

19.5 (210)

6

31.6 (340)

27.4 (295)

NOTE: Animal room space (NSM) (NSF)) includes 152 mm (6") dividing walls

between cubicles. An alcove for carts and other accessories or procedural

space may be located in a cubicle room.

2. Animal Rooms (Conventional Housing) - The following guidelines should be

considered when planning these rooms:

(a) A separate room must be provided for each species of animal housed (i.e., dogs

with dogs, squirrel monkeys with squirrel monkeys, etc.).

(b) To provide flexibility, primary enclosures (pens/runs or cages) should be

readily modified or replaced to adapt to changes in animal species, size,

number, and nature of studies.

(c) Enclosures should be designed with the animals' physical comfort as a primary

consideration. Sufficient space should be provided to permit freedom of

movement and normal postural adjustments and convenient access to clean

food and water.

The size of pens, runs, or cages and the number of animals to be housed must

meet or exceed mandates of laws , policies, guidelines and accreditation

standards or professional judgment in the absence of the forgoing. Space

provided must be in compliance with that specified in the Animal Welfare Act

under regulations promulgated by the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA) and recommendations listed in the Public Health Service (PHS)

"Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals."

Current USDA regulations stipulate requirements for exercise of dogs and

psychological well being of primates that must be addressed in the design of

animal enclosures. Regulations and policies regarding animal housing are

periodically revised, therefore, standards existing at the time of design must

be followed.

(6) Procedural Laboratory (Standard)

278-12