Which statement best describes the core purpose of the Animal Welfare Act?

• A. It governs human subjects research
• B. It concerns animal welfare in households
• C. It regulates sale, transport, and housing of warm-blooded vertebrates used in research
• D. It governs labeling of pet food

Answer: (C)

The Animal Welfare Act is the federal law that sets the standards for how warm-blooded vertebrates used in research are bought, transported, housed, and cared for. It creates licenses and registrations, requires inspections, and ensures institutions follow Animal Care and Use practices to protect the animals involved. This scope—covering sale, transport, and housing in research and related facilities—best captures the Act’s purpose.

It isn’t about human subjects research, which is governed by different protections and regulations. It doesn’t focus on general household pet welfare or on labeling of pet food, which fall under other laws and agencies.