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The use of animals for scientific experimental purposes has contributed a great deal to the advancement of biomedical knowledge and their continued use is essential for the continued understanding and maintaining the scientific advancement in various biomedical spheres. However efforts need to continue to ensure that their use is minimized. In this regard the concept of 3 R’s ie Replacement, Reduction & Refinement can help researchers to continue their scientific work while addressing the concerns of the animal rights activists and other agencies involved in regulation of experiments on animals. This article gives an overview of the various alternative approaches that can be employed based on the concept of the 3Rs. The review also touches upon the 4th R- Rehabilitation, the importance of which is now being increasingly recognized. Though the ultimate aim is to completely replace the animals, where that is not possible reduction should be aimed for and refinement techniques should be developed to ensure that the distress to the animals is minimal. In this context the principles of the 3R’s is important as today’s refinement may be tomorrow’s reduction which may ultimately lead to complete replacement of animals in experiments.