The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide) serves as a crucial resource for institutions committed to the ethical and responsible care and use of animals in scientific research. Its primary aim is to assist institutions in upholding the highest standards of animal welfare, ensuring that all animal use is scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate. Furthermore, the Guide is designed to support investigators in their fundamental responsibility to plan and execute animal experiments that adhere to stringent scientific, humane, and ethical principles.
The recommendations detailed within the Guide are not arbitrary; they are grounded in a robust foundation of published research, established scientific principles, expert consensus, and extensive practical experience. These recommendations reflect methods and practices that have consistently demonstrated their effectiveness in achieving both high-quality research outcomes and exemplary animal care and use. As such, the Guide provides a bedrock upon which institutions can build comprehensive and effective animal care and use programs.
Central to the Guide‘s philosophy is the concept and application of performance standards. This approach emphasizes the importance of defining clear goals, desired outcomes, and key considerations in animal care and use programs. By focusing on performance, institutions can ensure that their programs are not only compliant but also continuously improving, adapting to new knowledge and best practices in the field of laboratory animal science.
This excerpt provides an overview of the Guide‘s purpose and foundational principles. For a comprehensive understanding, the full Guide delves into critical areas such as:
- Program Management: Establishing and maintaining an effective animal care and use program within an institution.
- Environment, Housing, and Management: Providing optimal living conditions that meet the physical and behavioral needs of various laboratory animal species.
- Veterinary Care: Ensuring access to high-quality veterinary services for preventative care, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and injury.
- Physical Plant: Designing and maintaining facilities that support animal well-being and research integrity.
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals is an indispensable resource for fostering a culture of responsibility and excellence in animal research, ultimately contributing to both scientific advancement and the humane treatment of animals.
