No matter what the species (vertebrates and cephalopods), animals that can be considered for placement are:

• animals released from research protocols whose severity is classified as “mild” or “moderate”;
• control or supernumerary animals;
• breeding animals;
• animals that were bred for research but not used.

Today in France and in some other countries in Europe, regulations encourage the placement of animals at the end of research protocols. Rehoming should be considered when:

• euthanasia is not required for scientific or regulatory reasons;
• the animals will not be reused in other research protocols;
• it is not useful or necessary to keep them in the establishment.

Rehoming is undertaken on a voluntary basis by laboratories which care about what happens to the animals after experimentation. Rehoming must be factored in by laboratories from the outset when they draft their applications for project authorisation.

Thanks to a network of shelters which makes it possible to take charge of numerous species of animals in France as well as in other European countries, the GRAAL association works alongside laboratories that wish to take part in this ethical, responsible and civic-minded approach. The GRAAL’s Translation Unit enables the association to interact easily in English, German and Spanish with foreign research units and to provide rehoming with an international reach.

Rehoming: a collaborative approach

The rehoming procedure is initiated by the laboratory which contacts the GRAAL association to take charge of the selected animals (by joint decision of the scientists, animal care staff, veterinarian and the animal welfare body). On the basis of a transfer contract which guarantees the proper implementation of the rehoming procedure, the GRAAL provides support and assistance to the laboratory in its administrative formalities and selects a hosting facility (animal park, shelter, aquarium, individual adopters, etc.). Each contract is adapted to meet the specific needs of the partner laboratory.

Two contracts are drawn up for every placement: one between the laboratory and the GRAAL and another between the hosting facility and the GRAAL. This procedure guarantees the confidentiality of the information concerning the laboratory vis-à-vis the hosting facility. The GRAAL becomes the owner of the animals, and is responsible for transferring ownership of the animals to the hosting facilities that have been preselected on the basis of their reliability and sustainability. The GRAAL undertakes to ensure the traceability of the rehoming process as well as the transparency and legality of the release of the animals for rehoming.

In this way, the GRAAL acts as a coordinator and facilitates the rehoming formalities in a spirit of trust and confidentiality with partner laboratories. A GRAAL team of experts in charge of rehoming is available and ensures that the rehoming procedure runs smoothly, from the initial contact made with the laboratories to the socialisation and introduction of the animals in their new environment.

Concerned about the well-being of the animals in its charge, the GRAAL undertakes to conduct post‑adoption monitoring of the animals who have started new lives. The partner laboratories receive news on a regular basis.

The use of animals for scientific purposes remains of great concern to the public, and can give rise to debate and deliberation. Rehoming animals through partnerships between research units and animal protection associations is a unique opportunity to connect the world of research and civil society.  The GRAAL’s approach has always been to promote an open and constructive dialogue, and one of the roles of the GRAAL is to inform the general public its action, through which, hundreds of animals are given the chance of a new life every year.