Cats and Dogs are Used for Research in Canada

Written by Animal Alliance of Canada, May 2026

According to the most recent statistics publicly available, from 2020 to 2024, over 77,751 cats and dogs were used for testing, research, and teaching purchases across Canada. 

These statistics are from the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) and do not include research facilities that are not registered with the CCAC. Canada, unlike many other jurisdictions, has no federal legislation governing the use of animals in science. In fact, ours is the only G7 country without such legislation or regulatory oversight.  

Animal Alliance of Canada has been working to end the use of dogs and cats in harmful research, and we now have a very real opportunity to make considerable progress. We’ll tell you more about that in a moment. But let us give you a bit of background. 

Protecting animals

Our efforts to protect animals from harmful research date back to 1990, when we began rescuing dogs and cats from Ontario pounds and shelters that were regularly requisitioned by research facilities. We worked with municipalities to prevent the euthanasia of lost and abandoned pets and to end the sale of cats and dogs to researchers. These efforts were led by the City of Oshawa, which was the first municipality in Ontario, to end this practice in 1991. We went on to improve animal services programs in municipalities across Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, and Manitoba. 

Our nearly 30 years of hands-on work includes a rescue of 52 purpose-bred beagles from the University of Guelph in 2002. In 2010, we convinced the University of Guelph to end “live terminal surgeries” on healthy dogs, saving approximately 200 dogs annually. 

At the time of writing, Ontario is currently taking steps toward legislation that would ban the use of cats and dogs in research. We have been closely engaged in this process, meeting with elected officials to advocate for strong protections that close loopholes and truly safeguard dogs and cats from harmful research — not merely on paper, but in practice. 

Ontario's approach matters beyond its borders. Whether it serves as a model or a cautionary tale, it will shape what other provinces and territories do next. Getting the policy right in Ontario could set the template for real protection for dogs and cats across Canada. 

A new beginning

Many will ask: "Don't we need to test on dogs and cats to save human lives?" After all, researchers are already citing the discovery of insulin as a defence for the practices they inflict on dogs and cats. Of course, that discovery was significant. But we're not talking about ending research — we're advocating for the beginning of ethical research. And that starts with elected officials who recognize that the future of science is not in a centuries-old reliance on animals other than humans — the future is New Approach Methodologies, community partnerships for veterinary training, and informed consent of pet owners for clinical trials. 

Paws off our pets

Wondering how you can help? Take this message to your elected officials! We need premiers across Canada to step up and keep cats, dogs and all animals safe and protected. Take action today here to let your voice be heard and shop the limited-edition Paw Soap to help support Canadian organizations fighting to end animal testing and advance cruelty-free science.