Animal Transportation

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DVR

DVR provides a laboratory animal delivery service to transport research animals between facilities on the NIH Bethesda campus, the NIH Animal Center, and other NIH facilities in the Washington metropolitan area. On special request, transportation can be arranged to and from local airports and other government-affiliated animal facilities. Transportation services are provided using specifically designed, environmentally controlled vehicles to ensure the well-being and safe transport of animals. DVR has the capabilities to transport a wide range of species to include: Non human primates, Ungulates, Canines, Felines, Rodents, Rabbits and on occasion biological samples. Requests for transportation should be placed at least 2 working days in advance. All DVR Transportation Staff undergo comprehensive training and hold current Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL’s). This comprehensive training consists of: fire safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), handling and restraint of animals, zoonotic diseases, bloodborne pathogen standards, vehicle sanitation procedures and the obtaining of medical care. DVR Transportation Staff are semi-annually tested for animal health considerations and adhere to all NIH outlined Occupational Health considerations for working with research animals.

Hours of operation

Hours of operation: 7:00am - 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

Service may be arranged outside of these hours upon request at least 3 working days in advance. Services outside of normal working hours will be charged directly to the IC.

Bethesda Campus – NIH Animal Center Schedule

DVR regularly transports specific classes of animals on specific days of the week. The helps prevent cross-contamination between species and minimizes stress on the animals due to unfamiliar noises, predator/prey responses, etc. The schedule is as follows:

Monday: Non-Human Primates
Tuesday: Ungulates
Wednesday: Carnivores
Thursday: Non-Human Primates
Friday: Ungulates