DLAR
Per Diem & Support Rates
The Department of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) provides comprehensive animal care and support services for all University of Maryland animals housed in DLAR-managed vivaria.
Overview
DLAR offers the UMD research community economical, efficient, and high-quality animal care and specialized services that support scientific advancement while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.
DLAR shared services, equipment, resources, and expertise are provided on a fee-for-service basis, typically as recharge rates.
To recover a portion of the costs associated with animal care, DLAR charges per diem rates for animals housed in DLAR-managed facilities. Per diem charges apply to each day or fraction of a day that a cage or animal is housed in a DLAR-managed space and are not prorated.
Animal care costs depend on multiple factors, including feed, bedding, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other essential supplies and equipment. Rates are currently subsidized by the University and are subject to periodic review and adjustment.
The rates listed below reflect University-subsidized rates for DLAR-managed facilities. Rates for non-DLAR facilities or non-University researchers may vary.
Per diem rates and direct charges are developed in accordance with cost analysis and recovery procedures outlined in the NIH Cost Analysis and Rate Setting Manual for Animal Research Facilities.
If you do not see the species you intend to work with, please contact DLAR for rate information.
Additional information will be available in the DLAR FAQs .
Please Note
Rates listed apply to standard housing and care conditions. Special care requirements, specialized equipment, or additional supplies may result in additional labor or direct charges.
Per Diem Rates
Mouse
| Housing Type | Unit Cost (FY26**) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Conventional | $1.05 | $1.10 | Per cage |
Barrier | $1.05 | $2.21 | Per cage |
Containment | $1.05 | $2.43 | Per cage |
Rat
| Housing Type | Unit Cost (FY26**) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Conventional | $1.26 | 1.32 | Per cage |
Containment | $1.26 | 2.91 | Per cage |
Other Species
| Species | Housing Type | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Gerbil | Conventional | $1.51 | $1.59 | Per cage |
Guinea Pig | Conventional | $1.47 | $1.54 | Per cage |
Pig < 120 lbs | Conventional | $21.00 | $22.05 | Per animal |
Owl | Conventional | As service | $36.75 | Per cage |
Frog | Conventional | As service | $26.25 | Per cage |
*Rates apply to standard conditions. Special care, equipment, supplies, etc., may be charged additional labor and direct costs.
Personnel Labor Fees
| Personnel Labor Fees | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Animal Care Support | $32.00 | $33.60 | hour |
Technical Staff Support | $55.00 | $57.75 | hour |
Veterinarian Support | $105.00 | $110.25 | hour |
On - Demand Services
| Rodent Services | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Rodent Euthanasia | $5.25 | $5.51 | Per cage |
Rodent Weaning | $5.25 | $5.51 | Per cage |
Anesthesia Machine RC2 | $10.50 | $10.50 | Per Hour |
Anesthesia Machine COM5 | $15.75 | $16.54 | Per Hour |
| Sterilization | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Autoclave Sterilization | $28.35 | $29.77 | Per run |
ETO Sterilization | $28.35 | $29.77 | Per run |
VHP Sterilization | $80.85 | $84.89 | Per run |
| Cage Wash Services | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Bird Cage Sanitation | $10.50 | $11.03 | Cycle |
Ferret Condo Sanitation | $14.70 | $15.44 | Cycle |
| Surgery / OR Support Services | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Surgery Suite | $100.00 | $105.00 | Per night |
ICU incubator Fee | $200.00 | $210.00 | Per night |
Drug Dosing Fee | $15.00 | $15.75 | Per Administration |
Controlled Substance Fee | $85.00 | $89.25 | Per Administration |
| Transport Van | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
Van Use | $ 72.50 | $ 72.50 | Per mile |
User Fees and Surcharges
| Fees | Unit Cost (FY26) | Unit Cost (FY27) | Unit Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
Ordering Fee | 5.50% | 6.0% | Percentage |
Rush Fee | $42.00 | $44.10 | Per Instance |
Rush Rate | 1.5 x Service | 1.5 x Service | Percentage |