Advocating for Policy Change

Animals Need Your Voice

Speak up for animals that can’t speak for themselves

Animals Need Us

Our Voices Help Bring Change

Advocacy touches on all the issues from direct animal welfare to increasing the use of nonanimal models to getting animals out of classrooms and advancing humane science. Advocacy is not just about passing legislation but also education, spreading awareness, and building support.

95-99%

Animals used in experiments are not covered by the AWA.

844,915

Animals (covered by the AWA) used for research in 2023.

Did you know?

Is animal testing necessary for medical progress?

Many people believe that animal experiments are the only way to develop safe and effective treatments. However, research has shown that animal models often fail to predict human outcomes, and modern alternatives—such as organ-on-a-chip technology, AI modeling, and human-based research methods—are proving more effective.

What can I do to help stop animal testing?

Supporting legislation, contacting policymakers, choosing cruelty-free products, and raising awareness all contribute to meaningful change. Visit the NAVS Advocacy Center to learn more.

Isn’t animal research highly regulated?

While the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) provides basic, it has significant loopholes. It excludes rats, mice, fish, birds, and invertebrates —who make up over 95-99% of animals in labs—and enforcement of violations is weak. The reality is that many animals suffer in painful experiments with minimal or no oversight. Additionally, the AWA regulates animal care but does not regulate the experiments being done on the animals.

Animal Research is Flawed and Unethical

Using animals for science is not the best way to conduct research, and it subjects sentient, social beings to painful and distressing procedures. We must advocate for change in the way science is done to help animals and humans alike.

Our Mission

NAVS’ Policy & Advocacy program is dedicated to ending the use of animals in science by advancing humane, effective replacements, promoting policy change, and empowering action. Through education, advocacy, and accountability, we work toward a future where scientific progress is achieved without animal suffering.

We Use Our Voice for Change

Legislative Advocacy

We work at both the state and federal levels to pass laws that reduce and replace the use of animals in science. This includes efforts to phase out animal testing, strengthen legal protections for lab animals, and promote the adoption of humane research methods.

Accountability & Transparency

Through initiatives like the Laboratory Animal Care Audit, we expose violations of the Animal Welfare Act, highlight systemic failures in animal research oversight, and push for stronger enforcement and penalties for noncompliance.

Promotion of Humane Science

We advocate for the transition to modern, human-relevant research methods that are both ethical and scientifically superior.

Public Education and Engagement

We inform and empower individuals to act in ways that drive meaningful change in how animals are used in science.

For animals that cannot speak for themselves, we are advocating on their behalf.

The Latest in Advocacy

Read below for the latest updates from our advocacy efforts

30 September 2025

Laboratory Animal Care Audit

16 September 2025

Birds in Research

11 June 2025

NAVS Humane Science Award

Take Action with Us

You can support NAVS’ efforts through donations, by using your voice, or by spreading awareness of our cause.

Our Work

Advancing Humane Science

Ending Classroom Dissections

Supporting Rescue