Reduce the number of experimental animals per experiment by:

• choosing appropriate species/strains
• using quantitative rather than qualitative endpoints
• careful consideration of a research strategy, i.e. pilot studies
• improving experimental design with particular attention to statistical methods

Refine experiments on animals by minimizing animal discomfort:

• developing suitable measurements of animal pain
• using analgesia
• minimizing pain and distress by allowing animals to acclimate to new surroundings, using suitable restraining techniques, and ensuring competency in techniques such as injections, surgery, euthanasia, etc.
• disseminating and encouraging refinement techniques

Replace animal experiments by methods not requiring experimental animals:

• using in vitro methods
• using physical and chemical techniques
• using lower organisms
• using mathematical and computer models, videos, etc.