Barbara Couto

Canadian Council on Animal Care

As an independent, non-profit organization, the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) is responsible for setting, maintaining, and overseeing the implementation of high standards for the ethical care and use of animals in science across Canada. Since 1968, the CCAC has provided national oversight of animal-based scientific activities through a rigorous process of standards development, assessment, certification, and training. The CCAC's staff and volunteers are wholly committed to the CCAC's mission and work diligently to deliver these programs in institutions across the country. At the core of the CCAC is the fundamental ethical requirement to treat animals used for research, teaching, and testing with the highest standards of care. A unique and truly Canadian approach to the ethical care and use of animals in science, the CCAC's programs help ensure that animal-based science in certified institutions takes place only when necessary, that the use of animals in studies is ethical, and that their care and welfare are guided by high quality, evidence-informed standards.