New York State Laboratory Animal Welfare Program

 

The Laboratory Animal Welfare Program 

• Approves laboratories/institutions for the use of living animals in accordance with Public Health Law CHAPTER 45, ARTICLE 5, TITLE 1, Sections 504, 505-A, and 506 as well as 10 NYCRR Subpart 55-1.  
• Inspects facilities and documents to ensure compliance with state laws and regulations.

Inspection Tool Response to Public Comments

The New York State Laboratory Animal Welfare Program (LAWP) posted a draft inspection tool that will be used by the LAWP to perform on-site inspections. Public comments were received by mid-July 2025 and the program has responded to a consolidated list of comments (see below). The LAWP has also updated the inspection tool as indicated in bold in the program’s response to the public’s comments.

• LAWP response to certificate holder comments_[1]
• Final LAWP Inspection Tool_[2]

 

Obtain a Certificate

• A certificate is required for laboratories/institutions that use animals in properly performed or conducted scientific tests, experiments, or investigations, including educational demonstrations.
• Complete and return this Initial Application_[3]

Renew a Certificate

• Certificates must be renewed annually. Current certificate holders will receive a renewal application form via email every fall to complete by the end of the calendar year.

Modify a Certificate

• Promptly report any changes regarding Certificate Holder, Person in charge of animal care (Attending Veterinarian) and Contact Person to AWP@health.ny.gov _[4]

Laws and Regulations

To find relevant laws:

• Click the link Public Health Law CHAPTER 45, ARTICLE 5, TITLE 1, Sections 504, 505-A, and 506_[5]
• Click "PBH" from the list
• Scroll down to “Article 5” and click "Title 1”
• Then click on 504, 505-A, or 506 to review relevant sections
   

Regulation

10 NYCRR Subpart 55-1_[6] - Approval of Laboratories and Institutions for Use of Living Animals

Report a Complaint

• To report a complaint related to work with vertebrates used in scientific tests, experiments, or investigations, including educational demonstrations, within New York State, email LIU@health.ny.gov_[7] or call (518) 485-2755 or (800) 682-6056.
• To contact the Laboratory Animal Welfare Program, email AWP@health.ny.gov_[8]