How are laboratory animals cared for?

Answer 1

At most institutions, there is a special staff which cares for the animals. They are independent of the research staff at many institutions, so that they provide an extra layer of care and support. They are also a secondary method to report abuses and make sure the animals are healthy and happy. Many labs are in charge of creating the feeding schedules for the animals, but on the weekends or holidays, the staff care for them. They are also usually in charge of making sure cages or recreational areas are clean and well-kept. The animals are usually kept at a target weight which will not harm them, but keeps them motivated for experiments. After they are through with whatever experiments they are being used for, most are euthanized either by injection or by gas, but larger animals such as dogs, cats, monkeys, and apes are retired, and sent to sanctuary areas where they live out their natural lives.