Meharry’s Animal Care Facility (ACF) pursues the maintenance of an enriched, variable-free, secure and humane environment for our animal subjects, as well as superb customer service for our research clients. 

The ACF has been accredited by the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC) for 54 years and was the first HBCU to be accredited since 1972. The ACF operates in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act as Amended (7 USC, 2131-2156); Health Research Extension Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-158); follows the Public Health Service policy on Human Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (revised 2015); and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals revised 2011. 

The ACF at Meharry is staffed by a full-time director, an attending veterinarian and individuals with training and expertise in laboratory animal science, animal husbandry, clinical care, comparative pathology and surgery.  The staff provide investigator training, technical assistance and guidance, and access to health status and laboratory services.