Animal experimentation

In Switzerland, animal experiments may only be performed if no alternative methods are available. Equally strict rules apply to laboratory animal husbandry as to the training and continuing education of the researchers working with animals.

In focus:

Revision of the Technical information on degrees of severity in animal experimentation (version 1.04)

The FSVO has decided to revise the technical information on degrees of severity. In the spring of 2025, the cantonal offices for animal experimentation and the members of the Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC) were consulted about the need for a revision. A clear majority of respondents supported it. The revision will focus on the refinement of animal experimentation in line with the 3Rs principle (replace, reduce, refine), and on a possible update of the information. An expert group set up by the FSVO will provide technical support. The FSVO will also involve specific stakeholder groups in workshops at a later date, and consult other interested parties through a consultation procedure.

Members of the Expert Group for Revision of the FSVO Technical information on degrees of severity in animal experimentation:

Dr Anthony Carrard, scientific advisor in charge of animal experimentation, Canton of Geneva, Department of Health and Mobility (DSM), Cantonal Health Office (OCS), Consumer and Veterinary Affairs Service (SCAV).

Dr Isabelle Desbaillets, representing the Swiss Federal Commission for Animal Experiments, head of the Animal Welfare Office, University of Bern

Dr Paulin Jirkof, 3R coordinator, Office for Animal Welfare & 3R, University of Zurich, 3RCC / University of Zurich

Dr Mareike Kron Dipl. ECLAM Dipl. SVLAS, laboratory animal welfare, Veterinary Office Zurich

Professor Lars Lewejohann, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Institute for Animal Welfare, Animal Behaviour and Laboratory Animal Science, Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Germany

Dr Björn Lex and Dr Janina Thoele (deputy), representing Interpharma, animal welfare officers at F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Basel and Novartis Pharma AG Basel, respectively

Technical information Severity degrees 1.04 (PDF, 710 kB, 30.08.2018)

Report by the Swiss 3R Competence Center (3RCC) «Animal use in Swiss research: A look at severity»

3R : Replace, Reduce, Refine

Animal experiments must only be allowed if no alternative methods are available for answering scientific questions. The number of laboratory animals and the strain that they suffer must be kept to a minimum.

Severity and harm-benefit analysis

The harm-benefit analysis determines whether or not an animal experiment may be authorised and conducted. During the process, the gain in knowledge expected is compared with the anticipated level of distress suffered by the animal.

Application and authorisation

In Switzerland, each individual animal experiment and laboratory animal facility must be approved. The aim of this strict procedure is to protect animals from suffering constraint in a way that cannot be justified.

Reports and announcements

Persons conducting animal experiments must provide regular reports about the number of laboratory animals used along with information about the experiments conducted.

Education and training

Persons conducting animal experiments are required to possess the necessary skills, complete a specific training course and take continuing education courses. Persons caring for laboratory animals are also required to be qualified and take continuing education courses regularly.

Researchers

The handling of experimental animals is clearly regulated. In addition to the legal requirements, we provide you with specific technical information, explanations and forms on this page. Animal experiments must be managed with the web application "e-tierversuche".