APA Standard 8.09 dictates the humane care and use of nonhuman animal subjects in psychological research. The American Psychological Association (APA) acknowledges that the benefits of animal research can outweigh its costs, making it ethically acceptable in certain cases. However, researchers are mandated to use alternative methods whenever they can. When animals must be used, researchers are obligated to acquire, care for, and use them humanely, taking steps to minimize any harm to them.