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The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

Since 1963, the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals has served as the primary guide for animal care and use in the United States. The purpose of the Guide is to assist institutions in developing and maintaining animal care and use programs that are scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate. Revision of the Guide was a peer process by a committee appointed by the National Academy of Sciences. It has been developed by the scientific community as a part of a self-governance strategy rather than as a regulatory or policy document of the government.

The Guide is written for a diverse group of users, and its guidelines are intended to be applied to many species of animals in varied settings, types of institutions, and uses. The recommendations are based on published data, scientific principles, expert opinion, and experience with methods and practices that have proved to be consistent with high-quality, humane animal care and use. The Guide makes general recommendations, the details of which must be addressed locally by animal care personnel and users, and IACUC approvals.

The Guide has been updated with regard to regulatory compliance, state-of-the-art techniques and equipment, and consideration of new scientific data. The Guide encourages continued research into improved methods of animal care and use. Also, users, IACUCs, animal care givers, and producers must use professional judgment in making specific decisions regarding animal care and use. The Guide has been partially reorganized to include an introduction and chapters on the major components of an animal care and use program: institutional policies and responsibilities; animal environment, housing, and management; veterinary medical care; and physical plant.