Animal Regulations

Oversight Bodies

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees oversee the humane treatment and use of laboratory animals, and as such, help ensure compliance with several key regulations:

PHS Policy
OLAW

This document provides the regulatory framework for the use of live, vertebrate animals in any activity funded or conducted by Public Health Service agencies.

Image of the PHS Policy manual

Animal Welfare Act
USDA

This law sets standards for the treatment of all regulated animals in research and exhibition. The USDA conducts on-site inspections and enforces compliance with the Act.

Image of the AWA "Blue Book"

Voluntary Accreditation
AAALAC

Institutions may seek voluntary accreditation, which demonstrates a commitment to high standards of animal care and use beyond the minimum regulatory requirements.

Image of the AAALAC Program Description