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Taking suffering out of science

Animals don’t deserve to be used in experiments. Animal testing is a practice that belongs in the past. It’s time to prioritize animal testing alternatives that are safer, faster, and more reliable for humans—without causing animals to suffer.

90%
of drugs tested on animals

ultimately fail in human trials, according to the National Institutes of Health.

190
million animals

are estimated to be used in harmful experiments each year globally. 

45
countries

have enacted full or partial bans on cosmetics animal testing.

The problem with animal testing

Millions of animals, including dogs, monkeys, rabbits, and mice,  endure invasive and painful experiments every year. These procedures often occur without adequate pain relief and rarely predict how humans will respond to drugs or chemicals. Existing laws offer minimal protection for animals in laboratories.

Organ-chip technologies

N/A/Getty Images

A better way forward

Cutting-edge, animal-free alternatives are changing the future of biomedical research and product safety testing. These innovative methods include: human cells, tissues, and organ-on-a-chip technology, 3D bioprinting and robotics, and advanced computer modeling and artificial intelligence.

These non-animal research methods deliver faster, cheaper, and more accurate results than outdated animal experiments — protecting both human health and animal welfare.

A researcher injects a laboratory rabbit's ear for testing

unoL/iStock

Physical pain

In some experiments, rabbits have shampoo ingredients dripped into their eyes, while guinea pigs endure harsh chemical applications on their skin for cosmetic testing. 

While 45 countries and 12 U.S. states have banned animal testing for cosmetics, millions of animals continue to suffer in other types of research.

Caged monkeys

N/A/We Animals Media

Lifelong suffering

Animals used for testing are typically confined to small, barren cages with no enrichment or companionship. Deprived of natural behaviors, they endure chronic stress and loneliness. 

Many are killed at the end of experiments, while others are reused in multiple studies over several years.

End cruel animal testing

Animal testing is expensive, time consuming and proven less reliable compared to non-animal advancements. It's time to take the suffering out of science.

Millions of animals continue to suffer in laboratories where they are subjected to cruel experiments and harsh laboratory conditions. Humane World for Animals is working to eliminate animal experiments and replace them with superior non-animal technologies that are better for both animals and humans.  

Vicki Katrinak, Humane World for Animals

What I saw working in a monkey research facility

Kathleen Conlee recalls her past, working in a monkey research facility. The experience was only the beginning of her work with animals, and led to her leading the fight to alleviate and end the suffering of animals in laboratories. Hear her story.

Stop animal testing

It is time to replace cruel, outdated animal experiments with innovative animal-free methods. Sign a petition today.

White rabbit

Meredith Lee/Humane World for Animals

All Animals Magazine

The future of science without animal testing

Federal action and scientific breakthroughs are accelerating the end of animal testing.

Latest news

Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund endorse bipartisan bill to end federal funding for experiments on dogs and cats

WASHINGTON— Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, formerly called Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, are endorsing a new bill introduced in

United States
Statement: NIH expands investment in human-relevant research and alternatives to animal testing

WASHINGTON— Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, applaud the National Institutes of

United States
FDA takes major step toward ending reliance on animal testing

WASHINGTON—Humane World for Animals and Humane World Action Fund, formerly called the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, commend the U.S. Food and Drug

United States

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Octavian Cantilli/For the HSUS