Dogs and cats make up less than 1 percent of animals involved in research and testing.
Animals in Research
Facts:
Even the most sophisticated technology cannot mimic the complicated interactions occurring among cells, tissues, and organs in a living body. Laboratory animals are essential in many areas of biomedical research because they have organs and body systems similar to humans and other animals and thus are often susceptible to the same diseases we are. The data derived from research on these animals can thus be applied to humans and other animals.
Care:
Quality research would be impossible if the animals involved in the study were not well cared for. In order to ensure the welfare of animals used in research, there are strict rules and guidelines for the care of each species of laboratory animal. Researchers are only allowed to conduct studies involving animals if they can prove that no alternative would produce accurate results, and must follow established guidelines for the care, housing, and enrichment of the animals in their care.
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Why can’t alternatives, such as computer models and cell and tissue cultures, replace animals in medical research?
Computer models and tissue cultures are often used in conjunction with animal testing. However, a computer simply can’t mimic the complexities of an entire biological system. That’s why animals are used. more...
Importance
Even the most sophisticated technology cannot mimic the complicated interactions occurring among cells, tissues, and organs in a living body. Laboratory animals are essential in many areas of biomedical research because they have organs and body systems similar to humans and other animals and thus are often susceptible to the same diseases we are. The data derived from research on these animals can thus be applied to humans and other animals. 
Quality research would be impossible if the animals involved in the study were not well cared for. In order to ensure the welfare of animals used in research, there are strict rules and guidelines for the care of each species of laboratory animal. Researchers are only allowed to conduct studies involving animals if they can prove that no alternative would produce accurate results, and must follow established guidelines for the care, housing, and enrichment of the animals in their care. 
