The Animals for Research Act (the ARA) provides for the licensing, registration and inspection of facilities that supply or use animals for research, including facility standards for animal health and welfare.

The term “research” is broad in scope, encompassing the use of animals in connection with all studies, investigation and teaching in any field of knowledge (including the performance of tests, the diagnosis of disease, and the production and testing of preparations intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of any disease or condition).

Current regulations under the ARA include standards for feeding and watering, housing, sanitation, ventilation, and record keeping (among other subject areas) related to animals that are used in research.