Many people believe that research with animals is conducted for the exclusive benefit of humans. In fact, practically all biomedical research with lab animals also advances veterinary medicine and helps companion animals live longer, happier and healthier lives. Dozens of diseases, affecting both humans and animals, are prevented through the administration of vaccines. Many other conditions are successfully treated, in both humans and animals, with antibiotics. From asthma and epilepsy, from high blood pressure to cancer, people and their pets share myriad diseases and therapies. And thanks to animal research, effective new drugs have been designed, sophisticated medical devices have been developed and remarkable surgical procedures have been perfected – for human and veterinary medical care.

For years, there was basically one way to treat sick pets: Put them to sleep. But today they can live happy, long lives. Because animal research has resulted in medical advances for both you and your four-legged family members. (That news should make them wag their tails. Unless, of course, they're cats.)