AFTER Act of 2026

This bill amends the Animal Welfare Act to establish a mandatory retirement and placement program for animals used in federal research. It requires federal research facilities to develop regulations for animals no longer needed for studies and deemed "suitable for retirement" , meaning they are evaluated by a licensed veterinarian as mentally and physically healthy. The legislation aims to facilitate the transition of these animals into permanent, non-research homes. Within 90 days of enactment, federal agencies must issue regulations to encourage adoption or placement with various entities, including animal rescue organizations , animal sanctuaries , animal shelters , or individuals, with nonhuman primates specifically directed to sanctuaries. Facilities must collaborate with nonprofit organizations and consider national placement options. The definition of "covered animal" for retirement purposes explicitly excludes rats of the genus Rattus and mice of the genus Mus . The bill ensures its provisions do not preempt more stringent state or local animal welfare laws and will not impede the placement of chimpanzees into existing sanctuary systems.