The use of animals for scientific purposes at The University of Western Australia (UWA) by staff or students must comply with the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 (WA) and the latest edition of the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code).

The Government of Western Australia

The Animal Welfare Act 2002 requires UWA to apply for a licence from the Government of Western Australia and as part of this, to provide an assurance that all personnel working with animals are appropriately qualified and aware of their responsibilities under the Act.

UWA achieves this assurance by asking all personnel to apply for a 'Permission to Work with Animals' (PWA), renewable every five years. This then enables UWA to provide evidence to the Government of Western Australia that all personnel have a clearance for their suitability to work with animals.

To obtain, or renew, your Permission to Work with Animals (PWA):

Fill in the PWA application form

Completion of the ComPass Animal Welfare Training Phase 1 online module is a mandatory requirement of PWA approval.

Complete the online Compass Animal Welfare Training

Submit your PWA application form

You will be advised of the outcome of your application by email.

Most applicants will be required to attend the Program in Animal Welfare, Ethics and Science - PAWES. Exemption from attending PAWES may be granted, based on recognition of appropriate prior education.

PAWES logo

This short, face-to-face program is for staff and students who will be working with animals for research or teaching purposes at UWA.

The program provides key information on legislative, institutional and Animal Ethics Committee requirements.  It also addresses individual responsibilities, best practice and recommended resources. Participants will also meet key personnel who will be able to provide further assistance.

Prerequisites

Complete the online Compass Animal Welfare Training:

Dates and registration

Fees (free for UWA staff and students)

PAWES is offered free of charge to UWA staff and students, including adjunct status.

  • Staff and students from affiliated tertiary institutions and visiting scholars listed on the UWA  AEC protocol - by negotiation email [email protected].
  • Other interested external organisations - please email [email protected] for details of available options and fees.
Legislation
Codes & Guidance
  • Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition (2013)
  • Guidelines to promote the wellbeing of animals used for scientific purposes: The assessment and alleviation of pain and distress in research animals (2008)
  • A guide to the care and use of Australian native mammals in research and teaching (2014)
Useful Websites
  • National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs)
  • Norway's National Consensus Platform for the advancement of "the 3 Rs" (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement (NORECOPA)
  • 3Rs-Centre Utrecht Life Sciences (ULS)