Laboratory Beagle Adoption Division - FAQ

Why does CBR-East have a special division for these beagles?

Before the inception of CBR-East, co-founders Pattie Scully and Carolyn Sterner had decided that any rescue that they would be involved with had to be willing to work with research laboratories.  During her experiences volunteering for beagle rescues, Carolyn had worked on establishing a positive relationship with one research facility beginning in 2003, and it resulted in the first-of-its kind "release to rescue" for that particular laboratory.  It was our hope that other laboratories would follow and take a chance on rewarding their laboratory animals, as well as their animal care staff (quite a morale boost to see these pups adopted!)  The first intake of 11 laboratory beagles in late Summer 2006 launched a new division devoted to this area of need. It continues to grow with a record number of facilities inquiring and releasing to us ever since! As of early Summer 2008, we have accepted 28 retirees to date, with 35 more on the horizon, and additional requests continuing to come in on an almost daily basis now!

I've heard horror stories and seen disturbing videos from laboratories.  How and why can you work with these places?

For one thing, CBR-East does not work with such facilities.  From our experiences, this type of treatment is not the norm.  CBR-East works only with reputable research facilities.  Please note that dogs are a regulated species under the federal Animal Welfare Act, and laboratories which use beagles in research are inspected by the USDA.  Reputable laboratories also follow additional safeguards and protections by following the PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, guidelines from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International (AAALAC), and their own IACUC policies for ensuring the humane care of laboratory animals.   The term "humane" care brings up an interesting debate, but one in which CBR-East will not get involved.  Research using animals is currently legal, protected and required by the federal government.  CBR-East will continue to work with reputable laboratories for as long as this is the case.

**CBR-East honors and maintains the confidentiality of the laboratories with which it works.**

What is Cascade Beagle Rescue's position on the use of animals in biomedical research?

CBR-E adopted laboratory beagle, Joe Cool living an incredibly spoiled and comfortable retirement!

CBR-East acknowledges the current federal requirements regarding the use of animals (including beagles) in biomedical research.  CBR-East encourages the search for alternatives so that beagles will no longer be used. Until such alternatives are identified and beagles are no longer used in research, CBR-East will continue to develop positive relationships with AAALAC accredited institutions/facilities and assist with the adoptions of voluntarily released healthy, adoptable beagles.

Why rescue these beagles when there are others in shelters that need rescuing?

CBR-East views laboratory beagles as true rescue beagles since these beagles share the same fate as those in kill shelters: euthanasia.  No beagle deserves such a fate when it is an adoptable dog.  Whether we assist the facility with adoptions or not, the research will continue.  We've just been fortunate enough to be given the chance to change the dogs' fate - from death, to life.

CBR-East has made strides in this area, and because of these wonderful opportunities and networking, we are being trusted.  For this reason alone, we will continue to accept laboratory beagles.  This does not change our relationships and mission with local shelters, or with those in the Mid-West and South. 

 Why are beagles the most common breed of dog used for research purposes?

	It is for the same reasons that they make good pets.  They are small, relatively easy to care for, adaptable, and tend to have wonderful temperaments and dispositions.
Sam, adopted laboratory beagle through CBR-E He seems quite happy to have been given a second chance.  Actually, little John looks pretty happy, too!

Where do laboratories get their beagles?

Most laboratory beagles are bred specifically for research.  Bred-for-research dogs are just that, they are not strays or former pets. 

What is done to the beagles in the laboratory?

This depends on the laboratory, but many (although not all) studies that use beagles are relatively benign.  For example, many vaccinations and dog foods are tested on beagles; so are new drugs.  Beagles are often used in biomedical research for the study of such diseases as diabetes, hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, and cancer, as well as pharmacokinetic studies and those studying new surgical procedures for cardiac and transplant models.

How healthy are these beagles, and do (will) they suffer side effects from the research?

CBR-E adopted laboratory beagle, Petey (formerly Tweety) doing great in his new home!

As with ANY beagle in our rescue (or living creature on this planet!), we cannot make any guarantees about an animal's health.  Dogs get sick.  They get injured.  They develop cancer and chronic medical conditions.  They can develop any number of health issues.  That being said, there is no research to indicate (and we have found this to be consistent with our experiences as well) that laboratory beagles are at any higher rate of developing a health condition as any other beagle.  We have personally found just a higher incidence of developing allergies.  If there were potential side effects or risks associated with the research with which the beagle was involved, it simply would not be released to us.  CBR-East accepts healthy laboratory beagles into the rescue, and any obvious health concerns (e.g,. food allergies) are generally known  prior to adoption.  Actually, we tend to have more extensive veterinary information on our laboratory beagles than shelter beagles in our rescue because the dogs are meticulously monitored by veterinarians and staff while they are in the laboratory. 

How is a laboratory beagle different from any other beagle in your rescue?

Thomas, spoiled retired laboratory beagle of CBR-East volunteer, Michele!

Laboratory beagles are somewhat unique in that many of them have never been outside a room in the laboratory.  The breeders do try to breed for good disposition, and many breeders and researchers go out of their way to socialize their dogs to minimize stress for the dogs and handlers. Laboratory beagles, however, have limited experience with everyday things such as outdoors, grass, cars, stairs, running, playing with toys, playing with other dogs, interacting with children, etc. They often have little to no hunting instinct.  Laboratory beagles are not housebroken, although they can learn with consistent training, time and patience.  Some, but not all,  may have difficulties being crate-trained, so other training methods (e.g., the Mark-Out Housetraining System)  may need to be explored.  Our experienced foster homes help train and socialize these dogs while they are in foster care, so the dogs are well on their way to understanding life in the real world by the time they are adopted.  They are often indistinguishable from any other rescue beagle after spending time in foster care.

Can laboratory beagles really adjust to become good housepets?

Charlie Brown, retired laboratory beagles of CBR-East volunteers Tom and Barbara learning how to enjoy a swim in the pool!

In our experiences, laboratory beagles adapt well to new surroundings, but they DO need an understanding adopter to help show them how wonderful the "real world" can be!  We have found them to make amazing housepets, and they are matched with adopters using the same interviews and matching procedures as the other beagles in our rescue.  Each beagle is different.  Some will make great companions for households with children, and some may not.  Some will get along very well with other dogs, and some may not.  The key is to find the right dog for the right adopter!

The most common post-adoption issues that are reported, which may or may not be seen in all of the dogs include: possible housetraining setbacks, cautiousness in new environments, separation anxiety, car sickness, and the development of seasonal or environmental allergies.  We think those are pretty minor when you look at the loving pet you get in return!

Please click above and email us for additional information.

Confidentiality will be maintained.