ABSTRACT
Procedures for the use of animals in research are heavily driven by regulations, and regulations are heavily driven by public expectations. This chapter is intended to introduce the scientist to these regulations and expectations, as well as the scienti•c concepts that underlie the regulatory standards. The complexity of these requirements is such that scientists are not expected to be experts in this area. Laboratory animal science and medicine have become their own •elds of study with professional associations, training programs, certi•cations, and even a Board specialization in veterinary medicine.1 Scientists should cultivate cooperative relationships with the professionals responsible for laboratory animal care
and welfare at their institution, or if such professionals do not exist, bring this expertise in-house or utilize available consultants. This can be a challenge, as animal welfare compliance can sometimes con¦ict with scienti•c freedom, which entails some risk of developing adversarial relationships between scientists and compliance personnel. It is important for both scientists and compliance staff to remember that each of their roles is critical to the success of the research mission and open communications are critical.
