The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is the cornerstone of federal laws and regulations regarding animals in medical
research. It plays an important role in decision making regarding the use of vertebrate laboratory animals because it establishes ethical,
practice, and care standards for researchers and their institutions. The use of laboratory animals in research, teaching, testing, and
production is also governed or affected by various federal and local laws, regulations, and standards. Together, the practical effect of
these laws, regulations, and policies is to establish a system of self-regulation and governmental regulatory oversight that binds researchers
and institutions using animals. Both researchers and institutions have affirmative duties of humane care and use that are supported by practical,
ethical, and scientific principles. Reviewing and utilizing the standards set forth in the Guide is important as you plan and conduct your project.
Download the 8th edition of the Guide.