Myths vs. facts

Facts about the animal research program at UMass Chan Medical School

Myth: Laboratory animals are inadequately housed and fed.

Fact: UMass Chan Medical School is committed to the highest standards of laboratory animal welfare and meets or exceeds federal and state laws and regulations, including those regarding housing and nutrition. Each laboratory animal is actively monitored by our animal medicine staff, which includes veterinarians, animal care technicians, veterinary technicians and support staff with specialized training in laboratory animal medicine and husbandry, to ensure each animal’s individual needs are met.

The Medical School is fully accredited by AAALAC International, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the humane treatment of animals in research. Following a 2026 site visit, AAALAC commended UMass Chan, citing our “high quality program of animal care and use.” AAALAC noted the Medical School’s excellent and consistent environmental enrichment program for all species and that the animals were well socialized.

Myth: Large animals are the most commonly used animals in biomedical research.

Fact: Nearly 95 percent of the animals used in research at UMass Chan are mice, rats and zebrafish. 

Myth: Laboratory animals are mistreated.

Fact: At UMass Chan, we believe that providing compassionate, humane care for laboratory animals is essential—not only because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is fundamental to good science and imperative to meet the demands of high-quality research. We take our responsibility to treat animals in medical research with great care and respect, which ultimately benefits and improves the health of both animals and humans.

UMass Chan is regularly inspected by external organizations to ensure animals are treated appropriately. Our animal medicine staff includes veterinarians, animal care technicians, veterinary technicians and support staff with specialized training in laboratory animal medicine and husbandry who care for the laboratory animals laboratory animals every day of the year to ensure each animal’s individual needs are met.

In addition to appropriate housing and food, UMass Chan has a robust laboratory animal enrichment program to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of our animals. This is accomplished by promoting species-specific behaviors through social housing, positive interactions with people, sensory stimulation, toys and exercise.

Myth: With modern technology, there is no reason to use animals in research.

Fact: Scientists at UMass Chan and around the world are developing alternatives to laboratory animals in research, but animal models remain the gold standard and the final step often required by the federal government to test therapies for safety and efficacy prior to clinical trials in humans. Like all research institutions that utilize animals, UMass Chan only uses animals in studies when questions require a study of whole organisms that cannot be carried out using humans. Based on the current scientific and regulatory landscape, laboratory animals continue to provide invaluable insights into human disease mechanisms, preventative and therapeutic targets, and treatment strategies. These scientific discoveries and medical advancements also advance veterinary medicine and improve the health of pets, livestock and wildlife.