Below is a link from the American Psychological Association (APA) from their Board of Scientific Affairs Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (C.A.R.E.)


Guidelines for Ethical Conduct in the Care and Use of Animals

Psychology encompasses a broad range of areas of research and applied endeavors. Important parts of these endeavors are teaching and research on the behavior of nonhuman animals, which contribute to the understanding of basic principles underlying behavior and to advancing the welfare of both human and nonhuman animals. Clearly, psychologists should conduct their teaching and research in a manner consonant with relevant laws and regulations. In addition, ethical concerns mandate that psychologists should consider the costs and benefits of procedures involving animals before proceeding with the research.

The following guidelines were developed by the American Psychological Association (APA) for use by psychologists working with nonhuman animals. They are based on and are in conformity with Section 6.20 of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct of APA. In the ordinary course of events, the acquisition, care, housing, use, and disposition of animals should be in compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and institutional laws and regulations and with international conventions to which the United States is a party. APA members working outside the United States are to follow all applicable laws and regulations of the country in which they conduct research. APA authors are required to comply with APA ethical standards in the treatment of their sample, human or animal, or to describe the details of treatment. A copy of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct may be obtained from:

APA Order Department
P.O. Box 2710
Hyattsville, MD 20784-0710

Questions about these guidelines should be referred to the APA Committee on Animal Research and Ethics (CARE) via email - science@apa.org, phone: 202-336-6000, or mail:

APA Science Directorate
Research Ethics Officer
750 First St., NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242

Violations of the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct by an APA member should be reported to APA's Ethics Committee by calling 202-336-5930, or by writing:

APA Ethics Office
750 First St., NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242


Link to Complete APA C.A.R.E Guidelines