Animal Research Saves Animals, Too

Practically all biomedical research with lab animals advances veterinary medicine as well as human medicine.

Animal research also helps animals. It has resulted in many remarkable lifesaving and life-extending treatments for cats, dogs, farm animals, wildlife, and endangered species. With the recent sequencing of genomes, in-depth research into animal physiology, and surgical advances, researchers are constantly being reminded that humans share many biological and physiological characteristics with animals. Practically all biomedical research with lab animals advances veterinary medicine as well as human medicine and helps pets and wildlife live longer, happier, and healthier lives. Dozens of diseases, from cancer to epilepsy, affect both animals and humans. Vaccines that treat humans benefit animals. Many other conditions are successfully treated, in both humans and animals, with antibiotics. Through research with animals, researchers can develop treatments and therapies to help both people and animals.