The DCM is a 50,000 sq. ft. facility located in the Georgetown Medical Center. It was originally constructed in 1984 as a Research Resource Facility. It was later expanded, in 1994, and became the Division of Comparative Medicine.

There are different areas within the DCM that range from barrier-level protection to biosafety level 2 containment. The DCM also has surgical and procedure rooms, a cage wash area, autoclaves, cold boxes, dedicated loading docks, a Hydropac machine, and feed and bedding storage.

The animal housing locations in the DCM include:

• A and B zones as well as perimeter rooms: A combination of conventional and SPF housing rooms, using either ventilated caging systems or static “shoebox” cages. There are also rooms designed to house large animals and aquatic species.

• C, E, & F zones: Rodent barrier areas specifically designed to offer our highest level of bio-security.

• D zone: Designed and used for research with hazardous materials.

All of our areas are climate-controlled (temperature, humidity, and lighting) and follow “The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” recommendations.

Room access is controlled with door lock keys, GoCards, and other electronic security devices. Access to the animal facility will be granted to authorized individuals that completed training and occupational health requirements. Access must be approved by the Business Office before entering any zone. See DCM Facility Access for more details.