Animals in Veterinary Medical Teaching: Compliance and Regulatory Issues, the US Perspective

Abstract

Veterinary schools in the United States are regulated as research facilities under the federal Animal Welfare Act by Animal Care (AC), a division of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The schools are inspected at least annually by AC inspectors, who are all veterinarians. In a recent poll, these inspectors identified several areas that have caused compliance problems for veterinary schools. In addition, several emerging issues also appear to be posing potential regulatory problems as societal expectations and ethical considerations change.