Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) develops and monitors, as well as exercises compliance oversight relative to PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals involved in research conducted or supported by any component of the Public Health Service.

Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Includes the Health Research Extension Act of 1985, Public Law 99-158, November 20, 1985, "Animals in Research;" U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training; and Public Health Service Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

NIH's 1996 Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

According to the Guide's preface, "the purpose of the Guide, as expressed in the charge to the Committee to Revise the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, is to assist institutions in caring for and using animals in ways judged to be scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate. The Guide is also intended to assist investigators in fulfilling their obligation to plan and conduct animal experiments in accord with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles. The recommendations are based on published data, scientific principles, expert opinion, and experience with methods and practices that have proved to be consistent with high-quality, humane animal care and use." (Hard copies also available from the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs).

Animal Welfare Act as Amended (7 USC, 2131-2156)

The Animal Welfare Act was signed into law in 1966. While its original intent was to regulate the care and use of animals in the laboratory, it has become the only Federal law in the United States that regulates the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Other laws, policies, and guidelines may include additional species coverage or specifications for animal care and use, but all refer to the Animal Welfare Act as the minimum acceptable standard. The Act was amended four times (1970, 1976, 1985, 1990) and can be found in United States Code, Title 7, Sections 2131 to 2156. The Act is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is responsible for protecting and promoting U.S. agricultural health, administering the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities.

The USDA Animal Welfare Information Center

Provides information for improved animal care and use in research, teaching, and testing.

The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare 

The Scientists Center for Animal Welfare (SCAW) is a unique, nonprofit educational association of individuals and institutions whose mission is to promote humane care, use, and management of animals involved in research, testing, or education in laboratory, agriculture, wildlife or other settings. SCAW believes that humane concern for animals complements the conduct of science. SCAW serves as an objective, credible source of information for the research community, the media, and the general public.

The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC)

The Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International is a nonprofit association that works to promote the responsible treatment of animals in science.