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About Animal Care |
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APHIS’ Animal Care (AC) staff is composed of experts on animal care and husbandry. Through the AC program, APHIS provides leadership for determining standards of humane care and treatment of animals. APHIS implements those standards and achieves compliance through inspection, education, and by working closely with States, industry, and non-governmental organizations.
The vast majority of AC employees are veterinarians or individuals with education in the biological sciences and extensive animal handling experience. AC employs more than 120 inspectors nationwide who are responsible for performing the bulk of inspections to support enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. AC also employs specialists who have specific expertise and experience with birds, elephants, marine mammals, exotic cats, and non-human primates.
The expertise of the AC staff is integral to its ability to promote and enforce animal welfare standards, provide guidance to States on emergency issues, and act as a Federal resource on animal welfare issues.
