Statutory guidance

Care and accommodation of animals in science: 2026 code of practice

Minimum standards for the care and accommodation of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 25 March 2026

Documents

Code of practice for the care and accommodation of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes (accessible)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6362-5, E03564103

Unnumbered act paper

HTML

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Code of practice for the care and accommodation of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6362-5, E03564103

Unnumbered act paper

PDF, 2.96 MB, 51 pages

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This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Code of practice for the care and accommodation of animals bred, supplied or used for scientific purposes (print-ready PDF)

Ref: ISBN 978-1-5286-6362-5, E03564103

PDF, 3 MB, 56 pages

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Explanatory memorandum to the 2026 code of practice (accessible)

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Explanatory memorandum to the 2026 code of practice

PDF, 3.12 MB, 4 pages

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Details

This code of practice applies to all licensed breeders, suppliers and users of protected animals under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act.

It replaces the 2014 code of practice.

The advisory standards can be used alongside the 2026 code of practice, for advice on:

• a broader range of subjects
• how to meet and exceed the legal minimum standards

Published 25 March 2026