The Animal Welfare Specialist (AWS) is not a “job title specific” position. The AWS can be anyone who management feels fits the criteria/characteristics for the position. The AWS listens to concerns, answer questions, and acts as a role model at their facility. They provide the Annual Animal Welfare Training that is produced by the Animal Welfare and Training (AWT) group and provide a visible presence whom their colleagues can comfortably approach. We currently have AWS personnel at all Research Models and Services locations and Preclinical sites. In the U.S., we have one AWS involved with Avian Products and Services and more AWS personnel representing Government Operations and academia from Consulting and Staffing Services.
Animal welfare is one of our top corporate priorities and will continue to be so, always. This network of AWS personnel serves an important role in ensuring that humane care remains a focus within the company and that our employees have an outlet for questions or concerns. Our goal is to set the gold standard in the industry for humane care of the research animals produced and used in all Charles River activities.
Annual Animal Welfare Training Module
- Presents a different aspect of how what our staff does every day impacts animal welfare
- Intended for all staff with any animal-related responsibilities
- Accompanied by an annual re-signing of the Commitment to Humane Care and Use of Animals