• Step 1: Collect pre-search information
Before beginning a Three Rs search, investigators should gather as much information as possible about the proposed animal use (i.e. experiment, test, training procedure). This includes:
- the working title of the project and the scientific objective(s);
- a description of the proposed animal model;
- descriptions of the proposed procedures on animals;
- descriptions of what could potentially cause pain and distress in the animals;
- descriptions of any known species-specific considerations;
- the expected Category of Invasiveness (refer to CCAC policy statement on: categories of invasiveness in animal experiments);
- a list of any known potential Replacement alternatives (whether or not it is believed they could be useful); and
- a list of any known potential Reduction and/or Refinement alternatives (whether or not it is believed they could be useful).
