References

USDA APHIS Policy Manual, Policy #3: Post-Surgical Ownership Of The Animal

From USDA APHIS Policy Manual, Policy #3:

“While an animal is under post-surgical care, the ownership of the animal is not to change. If the animal is taken to an off-site location, such as a farm, for post-operative care, that location should be identified as a site of the research facility. An animal is not to be taken to an off-site location before it fully recovers from anesthesia unless justified in the animal activity proposal. Appropriate post-operative records must be maintained in accordance with professionally accepted veterinary procedures regardless of the location of the animal.”

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/policy.php?policy=3