Policy on Animal Care and Welfare

Zoetis is dedicated to helping animals live longer, healthier lives through the discovery and development of breakthrough medicines and therapies. Animal-based biomedical research in the pharmaceutical industry remains a vital component of the discovery, evaluation and regulatory processes, which lead to the development of products that save or improve animal lives throughout the world. At this time, the state of scientific knowledge and experience with these potential new medicines and therapies in animals is frequently critical to this evaluation, and required by regulatory authorities worldwide to ensure the quality, efficacy and safety of the medicines we discover. This Policy reflects our absolute commitment that animals used by Zoetis are treated humanely, and it applies to all Zoetis colleagues and contractors who undertake any activity on behalf of Zoetis that involves animals.

Alternatives to Animals

Zoetis is fully committed to the development and use of scientifically validated alternative testing methods that are acceptable to regulatory authorities and do not compromise patient safety or the effectiveness of our medicines. Zoetis continues to engage and participate in cross-industry efforts aimed at developing and refining new in-vitro testing and predictive informatics-based systems that  hold promise for future reduction of animal usage. Zoetis works through trade organizations and directly with regulators to increase the recognition and acceptance of alternative models where such alternatives can be used appropriately.

Commitment to the 3R’s

For as long as it remains necessary to use animals in the discovery, development and evaluation of new veterinary medicines and therapies, we embrace the principles known as the 3R’s of animal research.

• Replacement of animal experiments with non-animal experiments such as mathematical models, computer simulations, and in-vitro biological systems wherever appropriate.
• Reduction of the numbers of animals used in each study when animals must be used, and of the number of studies involving animals, to the absolute minimum necessary to obtain valid results and achieve our research objectives.
• Refinement of procedures involving animals to minimize the potential for pain and distress.