Headshot of Scott Perkins, VMD, MPH, Dipl. ACLAM

Our mission at Tufts Comparative Medicine Services is to facilitate cutting-edge research through top-tier facilities, services, and expertise in laboratory animal care. We are dedicated to the humane and ethical use of animals in research and education, adhering to the highest standards of animal welfare and regulatory compliance. Our commitment extends to providing exceptional laboratory animal management, veterinary medical care, and ensuring adherence to all federal, state, and local regulations.

The Tufts CMS team comprises highly trained professionals dedicated to the humane care and use of research animals. Our success is driven by our commitment to excellence and our role as a trusted resource center for investigators. We strive to deliver unparalleled standards of care, ensuring the optimal quality of life for all laboratory animals involved in research.

CMS is more than a CRO, we are your complete preclinical research hub!

 

Scott Perkins, VMD, MPH, Dipl. ACLAM - Senior Director of CMS

  • Partnering with Tufts CMS means you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, advanced technologies, and a collaborative environment dedicated to your research success. We are not just a service provider; we are a partner in your research journey, committed to helping you achieve your goals with integrity and expertise.

    We look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support your research endeavors.

  • We offer a wide range of services to facilitate preclinical research, including:

    • Preclinical Services: Our technical and surgical services cover everything from anesthesia and specialized surgical models to dental implants, Pharmacokinetic (PK) Studies and gastrointestinal cannulation. Learn more
    • Rodent Breeding: Our rebranded Rodent Breeding Services, known for their efficiency and quality, provide tailored solutions for your breeding needs. Learn more
    • Zebrafish and Aquatics: Specialized care and support for aquatic species to enhance your research outcomes. Learn more
    • Histology and Pathology: Advanced diagnostic and research pathology services through our Animal Histology Core and Comparative Pathology Services (CPS). Learn more
    • Imaging and 3D Printing: Cutting-edge imaging and 3D printing technologies to support innovative research approaches. Learn more
    • Regulatory Assistance and Training: Expert guidance to navigate regulatory requirements and comprehensive training programs for researchers. Learn more
  • Tufts Comparative Medicine Services (CMS) has a storied history rooted in the evolution of animal research standards and innovation. Originally founded as the Department of Laboratory Animal Management, CMS transitioned to its current name in 2019, reflecting a commitment to providing comprehensive support for academic and industry clients. CMS is proud to operate within Tufts University's animal care program, which has held the nation’s longest continuous AAALAC accreditation since 1966—a testament to our unwavering dedication to animal welfare.

    Animal research has long been integral to scientific discovery, with pivotal advancements shaping its framework over the years. The passage of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) in 1966—the same year as Tufts’ first AAALAC accreditation—marked a transformative moment for animal care standards in the U.S., establishing minimum care requirements for research animals. Later, the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals in 1985 further strengthened ethical oversight and introduced the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) system, which remains critical to today’s research practices.

    Over the decades, CMS has grown alongside these advancements. In 2019, we absorbed the Surgical and Interventional Research Laboratories (SIRL) from Tufts Medical Center, enhancing our surgical and interventional expertise. The reorganization of Rodent Breeding and Technical Services into Preclinical Services in 2021 bolstered our ability to serve external clients. That same year, CMS launched the Preclinical Imaging Core (PIC) and further expanded in 2024 with the opening of the Zebrafish and Aquatics Core (ZAC), broadening our reach to support cutting-edge aquatic model research.

    CMS remains dedicated to advancing scientific discovery by adhering to ethical principles and regulatory standards while maintaining our legacy of excellence in preclinical research. By blending a historic commitment to animal welfare with forward-thinking innovation, we are proud to play a vital role in shaping the future of biomedical research.

  • Located at 75 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111, Tufts Comparative Medicine Services (CMS) is centrally situated in downtown Boston, offering exceptional accessibility for visitors. Whether you’re coming from nearby or traveling from farther away, our location is easy to reach via various modes of transportation. Below are directions to help you plan your visit:

    By Public Transportation (MBTA)

    • Subway (T):
      Take the Orange Line to the Tufts Medical Center Station, which is just a 5-minute walk from our facility. Exit onto Washington Street, and head towards Kneeland Street.
      Alternatively, the Green Line stops at Boylston Station, about a 10-minute walk away.
    • Bus:
      Several MBTA bus routes, including the SL4 and SL5 Silver Line buses, stop near Kneeland Street, providing convenient access.

    By Car

    • Driving Directions:
      Use GPS to navigate to 75 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111. For convenience, Kneeland Street connects with major routes, including Interstate 93.
    • Parking Options:
      While on-street parking is limited, there are several paid parking garages nearby:
      • Tufts Medical Center Garage: 274 Tremont Street (5-minute walk)
      • Herald Street Garage: 40 Traveler Street (10-minute walk)
      • Pilgrim Parking Lot: 47-55 Kneeland Street (2-minute walk)

    Logan International Airport

    Fly into Logan International Airport (BOS), conveniently located just minutes from our facility. Tufts CMS at 75 Kneeland Street is approximately a 15-minute drive from the airport, making it an ideal destination for researchers traveling from out of town. Logan’s proximity ensures smooth travel for both domestic and international visitors, making it easy to reach our research facility.

    Bicycle-Friendly Options

    • Boston has numerous bike lanes, and bike racks are available near our facility. For shared bikes, check out the Bluebikes station at Washington Street and Tufts Medical Center.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Tufts CMS! If you need further assistance planning your visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us

Check Out Our Popular Services