Ordering animals

The Animal Facility oversees all animals arriving at the site. To ensure proper housing, documentation, and compliance, all orders from commercial vendors must be placed through the Animal Facility.

 

Ordering Animals

Before You Order

  • An approved study plan must be in place before animals can be used for experiments.
  • All newly arrived animals undergo a mandatory seven‑day acclimatization period.

How to Place an Order

  • Download the requisition form (available in the menu on the right).
  • Submit the completed form together with the approved study plan to: animalorders@biomed.au.dk

Ordering for Breeding

  • Animals ordered for breeding in the barrier must have SOPF status (Specific Opportunist and Pathogen Free).
  • The same SOPF requirement applies to animals housed in the standard barrier (open facility).

Importing Animals

If you plan to import animals from a collaborator or external institution, please refer to the Import and Export page for guidance.

Questions?

Contact us at animalorders@biomed.au.dk for assistance.

Ordering Animals Older Than 12 Weeks

Orders for animals older than 12 weeks must be planned well in advance. Commercial vendors typically do not keep SOPF animals above 12 weeks in stock to avoid surplus production. Please ensure timely ordering if you require older animals.

Order Deadlines & Delivery Schedule

Deadline for Orders

Orders must be placed no later than Sunday, one and a half weeks before arrival.

Example:   To begin experiments in week 10, animals must arrive in week 9. This means the order must be submitted no later than Sunday in week 7.

Vendor Delivery Days

  • Taconic: Arrives Tuesday (unpacked Wednesday)
  • Janvier: Arrives Wednesday (unpacked Thursday)

Holiday Ordering Restrictions

Animal orders cannot be placed or delivered during national holiday periods. Ordering is paused during:

  • Winter Holiday: Week 7
  • Easter Holiday: Week varies
  • Summer Holiday: Weeks 29–32
    • Orders for delivery in week 33 must be placed by the end of week 27
  • Autumn Holiday: Week 42
  • Christmas & New Year: Weeks 52 and 53/1

We appreciate your understanding and recommend planning your orders accordingly.

Sharing Animals Between Research Groups

Sharing animals supports collaboration and efficient use of resources. However, animals intended for experimental use may only be shared between groups that have:

  • A valid animal experimentation license
  • An approved study plan

The receiving group must present an approved study plan before animals are handed over.

The group performing the experimental procedures is responsible for reporting animal use to the Animal Experiments Inspectorate.

Requisition

Download and complete the requisition when ordering animals from one of the vendors below.

  • Charles River
  • Janvier Labs
  • Jackson Labs
  • Taconic