A growing movement advocates for rehoming laboratory animals after research concludes rather than routine euthanasia, where individual welfare and public health considerations permit.
Routine euthanasia of laboratory animals at study end, when the animals are healthy and rehomable, represents an unnecessary welfare loss. Dogs, cats, pigs, and primates that have spent their lives in research facilities can often adapt well to domestic environments with appropriate support and time. The transition requires sustained investment: socialisation to novel environments, introduction to domestic routines, and post-adoption support for new owners. Research institutions that have established rehoming programmes report strong positive outcomes for both animals and owners, as well as improved staff morale. The primary barriers are institutional inertia, liability concerns, and logistics — all of which have been successfully navigated by institutions with committed welfare teams.