The challenges for modern genetic research facilities are numerous.These include the need for ever improving levels of animal health status, regulatory change and burden, mindfulness of the 3Rs and the developing capabilities and efficiencies of mutating the genomes of species such as the mouse and Zebra Fish.This requires us to constantly provide a sensible balance of priorities.Underpinning this is the need to develop care and welfare strategies that enhance the life experience of the animals we create and maintain, while meeting the experimental goals of the science we are involved in.