There are many ways to teach physiology, biology and anatomy without using animal specimens. Multimedia CD-ROM’s, models, charts and computer simulations all provide great learning resources. While the “traditional” approach involves purchasing, using and disposing of animals on an ongoing basis, purchasing CD-ROMs such as Digital Frog, means a one time cost for a product that can be used repeatedly for many years. Schools can save thousands of dollars by making the compassionate choice.

The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies lists below the many advantages of using alternatives such as CD ROM’s.

Comparison of animal use vs. dissection simulation, from a teacher’s point of view

Simulations and Models	Dissection
Students can (or must) repeat the exercise until they get it correct.	If students make a mistake, the specimen is ruined. They can’t go back and try again.
Students’ knowledge is tested at every step; students must show a grasp of the concepts before advancing.	Difficult for the teacher to monitor every group of students; errors may not be caught until too late.
Information about organs, their function and location is available at the click of a mouse.	Students may be too concerned about procedure to gain knowledge about the organs.
On-screen videos of actual dissections allow students a close-up look at the procedure.	Demonstrations by the teachers are not easily seen by all students.
Programs can be edited to meet specific students’ needs.	All students need to complete the same dissection procedure, resulting in some students feeling frustrated.
Software is loaded onto existing computers (one time only); students who miss a lab due to illness can make it up at any time.	Requires lab supplies and utensils to be set out before the lab, and cleaned up and put away afterwards. Difficult for a student to make up a missed lab.
Students can learn about biology without feeling they are responsible for an animal’s death or adding to the diminishment of a species.	Students may act out during a dissection lab, often because they don’t know how to express their ethical concerns, or don’t feel comfortable enough to express their feelings appropriately.
Costs can be cheaper since the software can be used year after year. There is no need for a class set or site license, since the self-guided nature of the programs doesn’t require the whole class to do the exercise at the same time. (e.g. a 10 CD pack of Digital Frog costs $599 and lasts for years).	Every year enough preserved specimens need to be purchased for each pair of students; prices can vary and usually increase each year. (Currently, a set of fifty medium-sized preserved frogs would cost between $435 and $660, and is used only once).