Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

Office of Research & Development

print icon sign up for VA Research updates

Letters and Op-eds Concerning Animal Research in VA

The following links and PDFs contain letters and opinion pieces expressing support for the conduct of animal research, including canine research, within VA.

Letters of support

American Physiological Society urges deletion of language to prohibit VA research with dogs (May 15, 2019)

Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA) Statement for the Record expresses concern about restrictions on VA research with dogs (May 15, 2019)

American Psychological Association opposes legislation prohibiting canine research by VA (May 14, 2019)

Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology opposes language that prohibits VA research with dogs (May 13, 2019)

Research Groups Oppose Proposed Prohibition on VA Research with Canines (December 1, 2017)

Letter from the National Association for Biomedical Research opposing legislation to limit VA research with dogs (November 30, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from 41 organizations (November 17, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from FASEB (November 8, 2017)

APA letter opposing VA dog research legislation (October 23, 2017)

Letter from the American Brain Coalition opposing legislation to limit VA research with dogs (September 25, 2017)

Letter from the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine opposing legislation to limit VA research with dogs (September 20, 2017)

Letter from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science opposing legislation to limit VA research with dogs (September 14, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from the Association of the US Navy, National Defense Committee, Square Deal for Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans of America (September 13, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (September 13, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from the American Physiological Society (September 6, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from the American Veterinary Medical Association (September 6, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from The American Legion (September 1, 2017)

Letter in support of animal research from Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (August 25, 2017)


Opinion pieces

VA Secretary: Disabled veterans need research on dogs to continue” (Opinion piece in USA Today by VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin, September 12, 2017)

Devaluing human life is no way to thank wounded veterans for their service” (Opinion piece in The Hill by Paralyzed Veterans of America Executive Director Sherman Gillums Jr., August 8, 2017)



Questions about the R&D website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.