Animal Research: Author Decision Guide

Updated June 21, 2026

JSMCAH is committed to ensuring that all research published in this journal is conducted responsibly and humanely. We recognize that many authors work outside traditional institutional settings and may be reviewing this guidance after research is already completed. This guide is designed to help you understand what documentation is needed for submission, not to create barriers to valuable research entering the literature. For the full editorial policy on animal research ethics, see the Animal Research: Policy Statement.

If you are affiliated with an institution: your institution's requirements supersede JSMCAH requirements. Use this guide to understand what you will need to document. Authors at institutions who are unsure whether their research required IACUC review should consult their institution's research compliance office before submitting.

Step 1 — Universal Screen

Does the research involve experimental animals?Purpose-bred animals or animals sourced from Class B dealers
 
Yes
 
✕Not Suitable for Publication
JSMCAH does not publish research involving purpose-bred animals or Class B dealer animals, regardless of approval status.

Step 2 — Identify Your Research Type

A

Retrospective records or existing data from regular clinical practice

Data or samples were collected during the normal course of caring for animals, with no systematic research intervention. Includes medical records reviews, outcome audits, and analysis of data gathered in routine shelter or clinical operations.

  • →Include a declaration in your Methods section stating that ethical review was not required given the retrospective or observational nature of the data.
  • →If affiliated with an institution, attest that you have complied with your institution's requirements for retrospective data review, including any confidentiality protections.
✓Suitable for Publication
With declaration included in Methods section
B

Aggregated or database research

Research drawing on aggregate datasets such as shelter intake databases, breed health registries, or platforms matching people seeking to relinquish animals with prospective adopters, where the research question concerns animal outcomes but the data originates from or about humans.

  • →Describe the permissions obtained from the data custodian(s), including any data use agreement in place.
  • →Describe the confidentiality protections for any human-identifiable data within the dataset.
Note: When your research question concerns animals but your data comes from or about humans, the primary ethical considerations concern human privacy and consent. See the Human Subjects Research: Author Decision Guide. Authors with questions are encouraged to consult the editor before submitting.
✓Suitable for Publication
With description of data permissions and confidentiality protections in Methods section
C

Prospective research with non-experimental animals

Research in which data collection was planned in advance, involving owned animals, shelter animals, or free-roaming animals. Includes studies where the procedures themselves were standard clinical care but data capture was systematic or intentional.

Standard of Care Procedures fall within accepted veterinary clinical standards

Any procedure routinely used in clinical practice: established TNR techniques, routine diagnostics, standard surgical approaches, even where multiple accepted methods exist. The key distinction is whether the procedure is already in clinical use, not whether a single method is universally preferred.

Permission obtained
✓ Suitable for Publication
Describe permission process from owners and/or sheltering organizations in Methods
Not obtained or unclear
⟳ Consult Editor
Context matters. Contact the editor before submitting to discuss your situation.
Novel Procedures Procedures not yet established as standard of care

Any procedure with biological plausibility but without established clinical acceptance. Independent review is required to protect animal welfare in the absence of established safety data. This is precisely the research needed to build an evidence base for future standards.

Independent review obtained
✓ Suitable for Publication
Include IACUC number, international equivalent, or description of independent committee review in Methods
No independent review
✕ Not Suitable
Novel procedures require independent review (IACUC, equivalent, or ad hoc committee) regardless of institutional affiliation
Uncertain Not sure whether procedures are standard of care or novel

Common for less common species, emerging interventions, or procedures at the boundary of accepted practice. Do not guess. Early consultation protects both the animals and your research.

⟳ Consult Editor Before Submitting
The editorial team will help determine the appropriate pathway. Contact us before the research is conducted if possible, or before submission if already complete.