Meeting the Behavioral Needs of Rodents in Challenging Situations, A Panel Discussion 

Host: Dr. Janet Sunohara-Neilson; Guests: Dr. Amanda Healy, Dr. Sarah Baert 

The importance of environmental enrichment to support the behavioural needs of rodents used in research is well-established. However, we have all been in situations where investigators feel these essential resources will interfere with their research. There are neuroscientists that cannot use tubes or huts in the cage because of their fragile head implants, or nutritionists who need to house animals alone to accurately measure their food intake. In this webinar, veterinarians will share successes in improving the animal welfare impact on these animals by re-introduction of environmental enrichment or provision of alternative resources to assist with meeting their behavioural needs.  

Dr. Janet Sunohara-Neilson is an OVC graduate, and worked in companion animal practice for a couple of years before returning to complete a DVSc in Laboratory Animal Science. This training has led her to opportunities as a clinical veterinarian in both research hospitals and academia, and she currently works with Animal Care and Veterinary Services at Western University in London, Ontario. She continues to stay engaged with OVC as a sessional instructor for the small mammal and laboratory animal components of the DVM curriculum.
Dr. Amanda Healy received a BSc in Biology and Psychology from the University of Toronto, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College. She has worked as a veterinarian for the past 15 years in both companion animal clinics and research animal facilities. In her current role, Amanda is the Compliance Veterinarian at the Centre for Phenogenomics located in Toronto, Ontario.
Dr. Sarah Baert graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2018 and received her MSc in Population Medicine (Epidemiology) in 2021. She has clinical, research, and teaching experience, and her strong interest in animal welfare runs through most of her endeavors. She is currently enrolled as a veterinary resident with the American College of Animal Welfare.

CALAS/ACSAL members are encouraged to submit their success stories for inclusion by March 14, 2022.  

Registration Fees