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Animal Rehoming

The rehoming of animals that have been used in research and teaching is encouraged wherever possible, and where it is in the best interests of the animals being rehomed and public safety.

Research animal rehoming guidelines

These voluntary Guidelines are designed for everyone involved in the use of animals for recognised research purposes to provide guidance on the rehoming of animals used for scientific purposes. They have been developed in accordance with the Animal Research Act 1985, and the underpinning regulations, and the Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

  • Research animal rehoming guidelines (PDF, 762.54 KB)

In December 2022, the ARRP in conjunction with the NSW DPI produced 15 species specific rehoming guides. The voluntary guidelines are designed to provide best practice principles and include a range of tools and suggestions to help everyone involved in the use of these species for research purposes to achieve positive rehoming outcomes. The species-based guidelines are designed to support implementation of ARRP’s December 2020 publication of Guideline 27, the Research Animal Rehoming Guidelines.

  • Alpacas
  • Birds
  • Cats
  • Cattle
  • Dogs
  • Ferrets
  • Fish
  • Goats
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Horses
  • Mice
  • Pigs
  • Rabbits
  • Rats
  • Sheep

ARRP Webinar Series 2022 – Research animal rehoming

31 May 2022

The Animal Research Review Panel (ARRP), in partnership with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), hosted a webinar to help raise awareness of the processes involved and the benefits of rehoming of animals used in research. This was the first in a series of 3 webinars scheduled for 2022.

This on-line event attracted Animal Ethics Committee members, research animal carers, researchers, animal science students, veterinarians and community members who want to ensure the rehoming needs of animals are met.

The webinar featured presentations from ARRP Panel Member and Liberty Foundation Australia Founder, Ms Paula Wallace and guest speakers from Beagle Freedom Australia and a research establishment rehoming coordinator.

Click here to watch the webinar recording.

Rehoming Webinar Q&A document

Successful rehoming requires a coordinated and cooperative approach. It is important that research, rehoming, animal welfare organisations and veterinarians work together to achieve the best outcome for animals once their research role has finished.

Animal Research Amendment (Right to Release) Act 2022

In November 2022 the Animal Research Act 1985 was amended to make provision for the rehoming of cats and dogs used in animal research (assented on 25 November 2022).

Click here for more information

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      • Research-Animal-Rehoming-Guidelines.pdf
      • Rehoming Webinar Q&A
      • Alpacas-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-A.pdf
      • Birds-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-B.pdf
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      • Fish-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-G2.pdf
      • Goats-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-H.pdf
      • Guinea-Pigs-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-I2.pdf
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      • Mice-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-K.pdf
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      • Rabbits-ARRP-Rehoming-Guideline-27-M.pdf
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