Lab Animal Welfare

Toward humane science and better alternatives.

Lab Animal Welfare

~100 million animals are used in experiments each year

100M animals/year in experiments globally
25M animals/year used in the U.S.
50+ countries adopting the 3Rs framework

The Scale of Animal Research

Most lab animals are small mammals, but fish, birds, and rabbits make up significant shares.

Mice
59%
Rats
17%
Fish
9%
Birds
4%
Rabbits
2%
Other
9%

The 3Rs Framework

A global research ethics standard focused on replacement, reduction, and refinement.

Replace

Use alternatives like cell cultures, organ-on-a-chip systems, and computer models instead of animals.

Reduce

Minimize the number of animals used by improving experimental design and data sharing.

Refine

Reduce suffering by improving housing, anesthesia, and procedures.

Progress & Wins

Key milestones that show change is possible.

EU cosmetics testing ban (2013)

Ended the sale of cosmetics tested on animals in the European Union.

US ICCVAM

National Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Validation of Alternative Methods advances non-animal testing.

NIH reducing chimp use

Retired many chimpanzees from invasive biomedical research.

Human Organoid Act (2023)

Supports advanced human-relevant models that can replace animal use.

Alternatives to Animal Testing

Modern science is building better, faster, more human-relevant tools.

Organ-on-a-chip

Microfluidic devices simulate human organs and enable precise, repeatable testing.

Computer & AI modeling

Predict toxicity and efficacy with in silico methods before human trials.

Human cell cultures

In vitro testing with human cells provides more relevant biological data.

3D tissue models

Bioprinted tissues and spheroids model real organ complexity.

Key Organizations

Groups advancing alternatives, policy, and public awareness.

NAVS

National Anti-Vivisection Society supports alternatives and humane science.

Physicians Committee

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine promotes non-animal research.

FRAME

UK-based charity focused on replacement, reduction, and refinement.

Humane Society

Resources and advocacy for alternatives to animal testing.

What You Can Do

Support cruelty-free brands

Choose products that avoid animal testing and are certified cruelty-free.

Donate to alternatives research

Fund the science that replaces animals with better models.

Advocate for the PRISM Act

Support policy that accelerates non-animal testing methods.