Breeding, keeping and transportation of laboratory animals

2. Strict requirements for companies and breeders

Research institutions and companies in Switzerland and throughout Europe may only order, keep or breed animals for research if they comply with specific conditions. Holding a permit to keep the animals is essential. Breeding facilities count as animal keeping facilities and must therefore fulfil similar conditions to research-based pharmaceutical companies or other research institutions. These include strict legal requirements governing infrastructure and technical installations such as ventilation, temperature, drinking water supply, bedding, feed and hygiene, but also cage size, material and resilience, and staff training. A large number of pharmaceutical companies also require breeders to comply with additional requirements beyond those prescribed by law. These include, for example, environmental enrichment – providing toys, things to climb on, raised platforms or other things that are beneficial to the animals’ well-being.