The mission of OAR is to provide MU faculty with optimal animal resources at the least practical cost. The term "animal resources" includes not only animal housing facilities, but also animal husbandry services, veterinary care, technical services, expertise in laboratory animal technology and medicine, and assurance of compliance of the animal care program with regulatory requirements.

OAR is also responsible for assisting faculty in conducting animal experimentation in keeping with these standards. OAR is committed to assuring the well-being of experimental animals while providing services that facilitate their humane and judicious use. The Office of Animal Care Quality Assurance is responsible for advising the MU administration and the administrations of the units whose animal resources OAR manages, on compliance with federal animal care and use policies and regulations.