Federal policy requires that if you are going to use live vertebrate animals in NIH funded research, you must adhere to the requirements in the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, the NIH Grants Policy Statement and also in the instructions for the PHS398 and SF424 application forms. These requirements state that the specifics of animal use should be described in the grant application. For contract proposals, you should follow the instructions that accompany the request for proposal. 

If you are proposing the use of animals in your research application OLAW has a new podcast  on writing the Vertebrate Animal Section in your grant application or contract research proposal. Dr. Patricia Brown, OLAW Director, discusses why this application section is required, what reviewers look for, and more. 

For more information check out “Writing Your Vertebrate Animals Section” (mp3 | transcript) and other All About Grants podcasts.