Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare

The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW) is a part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health that oversees the care and use of animals in research. It ensures that researchers comply with federal laws and ethical standards when using animals for scientific studies. OLAW promotes humane treatment, requiring institutions to provide proper housing, care, and medical treatment for animals. The goal is to facilitate scientific advancement while ensuring animal welfare, balancing research needs with ethical considerations. This oversight helps ensure that animals are treated respectfully and with compassion in the pursuit of valuable scientific knowledge.