External peer review as a means for ensuring and advancing the welfare of animals used in scientific activities in research, teaching, testing, and production, and concomitantly the quality of science conducted with animals, has been in existence for more than 50 years and is now widely accepted globally. Its proponents now encompass diverse audiences, including animal care and use professionals that provide the support systems for research animal activities; scientists using animals in exploratory research, testing, and teaching; organizations representing the interests of scientists, animal welfare, and the beneficiaries of science; research administrators; and public officials charged with research animal oversight. In some instances, sponsoring organizations and entities have adopted the position that research programs must participate in the assessment and accreditation or certification process as a condition of receiving funding. However, in the vast majority of instances, organizations participating in assessment and accreditation programs are internally motivated to participate in a rigorous and objective external peer review process as a test of their program’s quality and to affirm their stewardship and ethical consideration of research animal subjects.
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