Exporting Rodents

Please complete an export request form through RIO 

RODENT MUST NEVER BE EXPORTED FROM UCSF WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE RECEIVING INSTITUTION.

Summary of Export Procedure:

  • Complete an Export Request through RIO
    • Domestic: It is recommended you submit your request at least 2 weeks prior to your desired ship date.
    • International: It is recommended you submit your request at least 4 weeks prior to your desired ship date.
  • Make sure the form is filled out completely to avoid processing delay.
  • The receiving institution should provide you with their contact information to complete the request form.

After receipt of a properly completed request, the LARC shipping coordinator will contact the receiving institution to inform them of the proposed export from UCSF.

Some receiving institutions will request additional information:

  • The rodent shipment team will provide this information if available.
  • If additional testing is requested, the UCSF lab exporting the mice must approve the tests and will be recharged for the testing fees, technician time, and sample shipping costs.
  • The rodent shipment team will coordinate these tests. 

All requests are handled in the order in which they are received.

  • International exports usually require paperwork and authorizations from outside UCSF (i.e., authorization from a State or Federal-USDA official). This will involve additional time.
  • Please plan your exports accordingly.

Procedure for Exporting Rodents From UCSF:

​Complete Export Request via RIO.

When approval from the receiving institution has been received, the LARC shipping coordinator will notify the UCSF lab.

  • The UCSF lab will need to tag the cages with RIO-generated export number. Contact LARC supervisor or manager for label locations.
  • The LARC shipping coordinator will order shipping supplies. The cost of the supplies will be recharged to the shipping lab.
  • The LARC shipping coordinator will coordinate a ship date with the courier and notify the shipping lab of shipment date and provide packing guidelines via email. 
  • The UCSF lab is responsible for the actual packing of the mice and bringing the animals to the LARC receiving/shipping area (campus specific) between 7:30am and 9:30am on the morning of shipment. 
  • The following couriers are used by UCSF: Validated Delivery Solutions, World Courier, Optimize, and BioTrans Logistics. The receiving Institution may indicate a preference for a courier.
  • The cost of shipping will be recharged to the shipping lab, unless the receiving institution has provided you with a courier account in advance. 

Special Notes Regarding International Exports:

  • You may provide any additional forms that are produced and required by foreign countries.
  • ALL countries require direct inspection of the animals by a veterinarian. Rodent Shipment will coordinate this exam, but scheduling may affect the timing of your shipment. Please plan accordingly.
  • International exports usually require paperwork and authorizations from outside UCSF (i.e. authorization from a State or Federal-USDA official). This will require additional time.
  • Executed paperwork and documents will be provided to you by LARC shipping coordinator. They MUST accompany the mice at courier pick-up to avoid shipment delay.

Summary of Lab Responsibilities for Animal Export:

  • Completing RIO export request form.
  • Tagging the cages for export.
  • Lab members need to pack the animals and bring to LARC shipping/receiving area (campus specific) between 7:30am and 9:30am on the scheduled ship date. 

For any questions or concerns please email [email protected].