Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS) was formally established by the Board of Regents on May 25, 2007, to serve the needs of academic researchers and industry. The Institute reports administratively to the School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas.
The VMBS is one of the largest veterinary schools in the United States, having a wealth of expertise in all major veterinary medical specialties, animal husbandry, surgical and non-surgical interventional techniques, and advanced imaging and diagnostics. Texas A&M University has a longstanding reputation as a leader in higher education and research.
This direct association with the VMBS gives researchers the ability to pursue knowledge in a top research university, where cutting-edge technology and scientists at the head of their field can be accessed.
Building Amenities
The 112,000-square-foot TIPS facility includes animal housing capable of supporting Biosafety Level 2, long-term housing with barn and pasture support, three 600-square-foot surgical suites, and a hybrid imaging suite. Advanced imaging suites (including MRI, CT, X-Ray, etc.) as well as extensive procedural areas (ICU, Necropsy, Recovery Suites, etc.) are some other areas available for use within TIPS. Support services for all animal research and teaching programs conducted at the facility are provided by one of our University partners listed below. For more information regarding facility use and scheduling, please contact tips-facility@tamu.edu.
Housing Per Diem & Service Rates
The facility use rates listed below are applied in addition to services rendered by approved service providers.
**Please contact TIPS for future estimates. Investigators should expect a 5% annual increase when writing future grant proposals.**
| Standard Housing | Outdoor Housing | Complex Housing | ICU/Procedural (Hourly) | OR Suite (Hourly) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Texas A&M/VMBS Investigators | $6 | $3 | $12 | $45 | $75 |
| Texas A&M/VMBS Investigators | $3 | $1.50 | $6 | $20 | $40 |
Animal Care Provider: Comparative Medicine Program
The Comparative Medicine Program (CMP) is the Texas A&M Division of Research’s centrally-administered support service for animal research and teaching programs, offering care for most standard laboratory animals and a variety of services to institutional personnel. Learn more about CMP.
Policies & Procedures
- Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis and is not always available immediately.
- Arrangements for housing and procedural space must be made prior to ordering.
- An approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP) must be on file with CMP prior to animals being obtained. CMP staff will assist in obtaining animals if needed.
- All incoming animals must be processed through CMP upon arrival and undergo identification, quarantine, and conditioning as specified.
- *TIPS Personnel must know where all animals are at all times to prevent disease transmission, ensure proper cost accounting, and guarantee security.*
Billing
Investigators are billed for services on a monthly basis. For more information regarding charges, please contact TIPS Facility staff.