April 01, 2026

Why Animal Testing Still Exists (And Why It Doesn’t Have To)

A Moment That’s Hard to Ignore

For many people, animal testing feels like something from the past. An outdated practice we’ve already moved beyond.

But the reality is more complicated.

The recent rescue of 20 beagles from Ridglan Farms, a breeding facility in Wisconsin, has brought renewed attention to the issue in the U.S. It’s a reminder that animal testing is still happening today and, in many cases, it’s happening unnecessarily.

Why Animal Testing Became the Standard

Each year, an estimated 190+ million animals are used in laboratory testing across industries like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food additives, and household products.

Animal testing became standard decades ago, when it was considered the best available method to evaluate safety. Regulatory systems were built around it, and over time, it became deeply embedded in how products are developed and approved.

But science has evolved.

Today, there are alternatives that are not only more ethical, but often more accurate and efficient.

What Alternatives Exist Today

Modern research methods are reshaping how safety testing is done. These include:

Organ-on-a-chip technology, which simulates human organ systems
3D bioprinted human tissues, designed to mimic real human biology
Organoids, which replicate miniature organ functions
AI-based computational models, trained on human biological data

These approaches are often faster, more cost-effective, and more predictive of human outcomes than traditional animal testing.

In many cases, they represent a better path forward for both people and animals.

Why This Still Matters

As a team of dog lovers and longtime rescue volunteers, this issue is personal.

We’ve seen firsthand what animals experience when they come out of difficult conditions. The resilience, trust, and joy they bring into homes is something we never take for granted.

Which is why it’s difficult to reconcile that many animals are still bred into confinement, kept in isolation, and subjected to repeated testing, often for everyday products that don’t require it.

There are already proven alternatives. There are also formulations built with thoughtfully selected, naturally derived ingredients that can be both effective and gentle.

That’s what makes this conversation important.

Signs of Progress

There are reasons to be cautiously optimistic.

The NIH recently announced a $150 million investment in non-animal research methods, signaling a shift toward more modern, human-relevant testing approaches.

At the same time, consumers now have better tools than ever to make informed decisions.

You can check a brand’s animal testing status through: