The College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, endorses and abides by the 1998 American Veterinary Medical Association policy on Animal Welfare as formulated by the AVMA Animal Welfare Committee. Notably, that policy includes the following statement:

"...animals play a central and essential role in research, testing, and education for continued improvement in the health and welfare of human beings and animals. The AVMA also recognizes that humane care of animals used in research, testing and education is an integral part of those activities. In keeping with these concerns, the AVMA endorses the principles embodied in the "Three R" tenet of Russell and Burch (1959). These principles are: refinement of experimental methods to eliminate or reduce animal pain and distress; reduction of the number of animals consistent with sound experimental design; and replacement of animals with non-animal methods wherever feasible."

Within the College of Veterinary Medicine all purpose-bred or random-source animals involved in research, testing and education will be under protocols approved by the campus IACUC, housed in an AAALAC accredited facility, and will receive care that meets or exceeds the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act, the Health Research Extension Act, the guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals Used in Agricultural Research and Teaching, and/or recognized species appropriate care and use guidelines for non-traditional laboratory animals.

The KSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital is a full-service hospital charged with the missions of veterinary service to the public and the clinical training of tomorrow's veterinarians. Client-owned animals under the care of veterinarians in the teaching hospital will be cared for within the guidelines of the Kansas Veterinary Practice Act.

Kansas State University Animal Care and Use Program Home Page