Animals for Research Act

There are certain requirements that you must meet if you:

  • operate a research or supply facility
  • take care of animals for the purpose of research 

This is under the Animals for Research Act and its regulations.

You must protect animal health and welfare by establishing high standards for the care and use of animals in research. All research proposals must include a robust set of considerations and protocols, demonstrating that research is conducted humanely and that animals are properly cared for during and after the research project.

Licensing and registration

There are 2 main types of facilities overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA) related to the use of animals in research.

Research facilities are a premises on which animals are used in research. They include institutions such as universities, hospitals or private research facilities that use animals for scientific, educational or testing purposes. You must register a research facility, unless they fit within specific exemptions.

Supply facilities are premises, other than a research facility, that are used for the breeding and rearing of animals pursuant to a contract between the operator thereof and the operator of a research facility. You must license a supply facility.