Ending Animal Testing: How Humane Alternatives Are Transforming Science

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.

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These non-animal research methods deliver faster, cheaper, and more accurate results than outdated animal experiments — protecting both human health and animal welfare.

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A researcher injects a laboratory rabbit's ear for testing

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Our global efforts to end animal testing

We are leading efforts around the world to promote humane research alternatives and eliminate animal testing.

Liberia Chimpanzee Refuge

Humane World for Animals cares for dozens of chimpanzees at Second Chance Chimpanzee Refuge in Liberia.

Save Ralph

Stop-motion animation and performances with an A-list multinational cast as part of our global campaign to outlaw cosmetic animal testing.

Advancing non-animal biomedical research

Humans can address major health challenges without harming animals.

Accessible education and collaboration

We lead a multi-sector initiative working to make animal-free science the global standard.

Teddy the beagle is a survivor

Teddy and dozens of other dogs were living a nightmare, force-fed fungicide every day for up to a year to test toxicity.

Kamaka, a chimpanzee previously used in experiments at Alamogordo Primate Facility (APF) moved to Chimp Haven sanctuary in February 2025.

Chimpanzees finally freed

Al and nine other chimpanzees were relocated from a laboratory in New Mexico to the safety of sanctuary at Chimp Haven in Louisiana.

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.