Statistics on animal experiments
The animal experimentation statistics show how many animals are used in experiments in Switzerland, the severity degrees of the experiments, and for which research fields they are used.
As the competent federal authority, the FSVO publishes statistics on animal experimentation on an annual basis. The office is also responsible for publishing key information on authorised animal experiments after their completion. The FSVO publishes the title and research question, field, purpose of the experiment, number of animals per species, and the degree of severity in terms of harms (pain, suffering and distress caused to the animals; sometimes also referred to as ‘strain’ or ‘constraint’.
Report animal experimentation statistics 2025
A total of 507 863 animals were used in experiments in Switzerland in 2025. This represents a decline of around 15 000 animals, some 3% fewer, compared with the previous year. Over the past 20 years, the number of laboratory animals has fluctuated between about 520 000 and 760 000 per year. The figures for 2025 are at their lowest level since animal experimentation statistics were first recorded in 1983.
Number of animal uses per year 1983–2025
The key points in brief:
- A total of 507 863 animals were used in experiments in 2025, representing a reduction of 14 773 animals, around 3%, compared with the previous year. This brings the total number to its lowest level since animal experimentation statistics were first recorded in 1983.
- Around 142 000 animals were used at severity degree 2 in 2025. This was the lowest figure recorded for severity degree 2 in the last 10 years. The combined total for severity degrees 2 and 3 fell compared with the previous year, since the decline in severity degree 2 outweighed the increase for severity degree 3.
- The number of animals used at severity degree 3 rose to 29 413, representing an increase of 2033 animals over the previous year and the highest figure for 26 years. The increase was primarily due to the use of mice; the number of animals used in cancer research at severity degree 3 rose by 1816 animals.
- Genetically modified animals accounted for around 34% of all animals used in 2025, and for some 43% of severity degree 3 uses.
- The number of animals bred in laboratory animal facilities in Switzerland has steadily declined since 2021. In 2025 around 843 000 animals were bred, some 200 000 fewer than in 2021, representing a reduction of around 20%.
You can download the full 2025 report on animal experimentation statistics as a PDF below.