Animal Acquisition

Obtaining Animals at Stony Brook University

Obtain access to our Topaz program by submitting your NetID, your PI’s name, and IACUC protocol number to dlar_billing@stonybrook.edu.

Login to Topaz. Click on “Animal Orders,” then hover over “Orders” and select “Create New Order.” Select the correct type of Animal Order Form:

Approved Vendor Animal Order Form Used to order rodents from our pre-approved commercial vendors. Jackson Laboratory, Charles River Laboratory, and Taconic. Including cryorecovered strains.
Non-Approved Vendor Animal Order Form Used to order all species from commercial vendors that have not been pre-approved. Use this form to order rodents from commercial vendors that have not been pre-approved (such as MMRRC, NIA, Envigo, etc), or to order any non-rodent species from commercial vendors (such as NXR, TMI, etc). 
Customized Mice (Special Orders) Used to order custom genetically modified mice from any vendor, including the pre-approved vendors. To create these specialized mice, you must obtain a quote from the vendor and attach to your Topaz order. These animals may take months to generate. We will verify an MTA/COU requirement. Rodents are placed in quarantine on arrival.
IMPORT Request Form

Used to request the IMPORT of animals from another institution.

 Animals coming from Universities or educational entities. Mice have no declared value; they are used for collaboration or sharing for experiments. The SBU PI typically covers shipping costs. We will verify an MTA requirement. Rodents will be placed in quarantine on arrival. 
EXPORT Animal Form

Used to request EXPORT of your animals from SBU to another institution or vendor.

 These are going to universities or educational entities. Mice have no declared value. They are used for collaboration or sharing for experiments. Requesting PI outside of SBU typically covers shipping costs, and an MTA is typically required. 

Follow the instructions provided on the form. A correctly submitted order will result in an email to yourself and the PI. 

Once animals are received, you will get a final email to include information about where to find your animals. Any issues with animal orders should be reported within 72 hours of arrival. 

Importation of Rodents

DLAR's Biosecurity Team will facilitate the importation of live animals, including those that have the potential to become vertebrates, such as sperm, oocytes, and embryos. It is important for the investigator to plan ahead since there are numerous steps that have to be completed by both the sending and receiving institutions. There are charges associated with these requests, and an estimate of the costs can be obtained, along with any other inquiries, questions, or consultations to dlar_import-export@stonybrook.edu.

  1. The investigator must start by submitting an “IMPORT Request Form” within Topaz > Animal Orders.
  2. With the information provided, the DLAR’s Import/Export Coordinator will contact the sending institution to request health information. All health information must be pre-reviewed by the veterinarian. 
  3. Quarantine space will be located and reserved to house the incoming animals.
  4. The Import/Export Coordinator will contact the sending institution and arrange ground and/or air transportation. The investigator will be contacted regarding the anticipated day of arrival.

Quarantine Procedures 

  1. Healthy rodents approved for shipping will be received and housed in the quarantine area. 
  2. All rodents must remain in quarantine until applicable testing returns and veterinarian approves release (one to two weeks after arrival). 
  3. Investigators are discouraged from working with or breeding their animals while in quarantine; however, this may be possible with permission from the DLAR Director.

Exportation of Rodents

  1. The investigator must submit an “EXPORT” Request Form within Topaz > Animal Orders.
  2. With the information provided, the DLAR’s Import/Export Coordinator will contact the receiving institution to submit health information. 
  3. If the receiving institution requests additional tests, DLAR will work with the investigator to schedule, collect, and send samples for diagnostic testing. 
  4. After the receiving institution approves the shipment, the Import/Export Coordinator will arrange ground and/or air transportation. The investigator will be contacted regarding the anticipated day of shipment.
  5. On the day of shipment, the Import/Export Coordinator will properly box all animals and oversee carrier pick-up. 

Possible Limitations 

Please be aware that there may be travel restrictions due to extreme weather. The airlines will not accept animals for travel if the ambient temperatures at the shipping and receiving airports are outside <32°F or >80°F. 

Only Research Foundation, Veterans Association, or external funds can be used to purchase animals. State and Stony Brook Foundation funds cannot be used. 

ANIMAL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED ON TOPAZ BY 11:00 AM ON WEDNESDAYS IN ORDER FOR ANIMALS TO ARRIVE BY THE FOLLOWING WEEK.

Large orders (50+ mice) or USDA-covered species also require a 2-week lead time.

All animal ordering questions can be sent to dlar_billing@stonybrook.edu.