The University of New Hampshire (UNH) recognizes its responsibility to produce and disseminate knowledge in accordance with its mission of research, teaching, and public service. Some activities conducted at UNH necessitate the use of live vertebrate animals. Recognizing the importance of using live animals for these purposes, UNH, for both ethical and scientific reasons, insists upon the highest standards for the care and use of such animals.

Accordingly, UNH has a policy for the care and use of live vertebrate animals at the institution, an Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) that oversees vertebrate animal care and use at UNH,  and an Animal Resources Office (ARO) that provides technical support, training, veterinary services and assistance to UNH faculty, staff, and students.