The IACUC advocates the use of animal alternatives as decribed by the 3 Rs, specifically

1. REPLACEMENT of animals when possible,
2. REDUCTION in the animal numbers used, and
3. REFINEMENT of the animal procedures to minimize discomfort as much as possible

We also believe in a fourth R -- RESPONSIBILITY

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“How to” sites for alternative approaches:

1. Sources of Information About Alternatives (University of California at Santa Barbara)
   (Information on how to conduct alternative searches as well as links to databases.)

2. Center for Animal Alternatives (University of California at Davis)
   (Discussions of the 3Rs, refinement for rats and mice, information on alternative searches, links to databases, and specific search templates.)

3. Fund for the Replacements of Animals in Medical Experiments (FRAME)
   (Guides for conducting alternative searches including information on search terms and strategies as well as links to databases.)

4. Alternative Methodologies (Animal Welfare Information Center)
   (From “Essentials for Animal Research: A Primer for Research Personnel”)

Databases for conducting alternative searches:

1. Alternatives to Animal Testing on the Web - AltWeb (Johns Hopkins School of Public Health)
   (Information on alternative searches AND a search engine specifically designed to search for alternatives to animal procedures.

2. Animal Welfare Information Center (USDA National Agricultural Library)
   (Established under the 1985 amendment to the Animal Welfare Act, this office provides information on how to do alternative searches as well as access to various databases (e.g., Agricola). The office may also be contacted to perform an alternative search for you.)

3. NLM Specialized Information Services (National Library of Medicine)
   (This site provides access to databases such as MEDLINE/PubMed and TOXNET.)

Other informational Resources:

1. Norwegian Reference Center for Laboratory Animal Science & Alternatives - NORINA
   (Information on alternatives to animal use in teaching and research methodologies)

2. ECVAM: European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods
   (Provides access to the SIS - Scientific Information Service - databases on advanced alternative methods to animal experiments in biomedical sciences.)

3. The Netherlands Centre - Alternatives to Animal Use
   (For the development, validation and application of alternatives to animal experiments in the Netherlands.)