The use of animals in research will be necessary for scientific advances in the basic and biomedical sciences for the foreseeable future． As we learn more about the ability of animals to experience pain，suffering，and distress，and particularly for mammals，it becomes the responsibility of scientists，institutions，animal caregivers，and veterinarians to seek ways to improve the lives of research animals and refine their care and use． Refinement is one of the three R’s emphasized by Russell and Burch，and refers to modification of procedures to minimise the potential for pain，suffering and distress． It may also refer to procedures used to enhance animal comfort． This paper summarizes considerations for refinements in research animal．