The purpose of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (the Guide), as expressed in the charge to the Committee for the Update of the Guide, is to assist institutions in caring for and using animals in ways judged to be scientifically, technically, and humanely appropriate. The Guide is also intended to assist investigators in fulfilling their obligation to plan and conduct animal experiments in accord with the highest scientific, humane, and ethical principles. Recommendations in the Guide are based on published data, scientific principles, expert opinion, and experience with methods and practices that have proved to be consistent with both high-quality research and humane animal care and use. These recommendations should be used as a foundation for the development of a comprehensive animal care and use program, recognizing that the concept and application of performance standards, in accordance with goals, outcomes, and considerations defined in the Guide, is essential to this process. ---- Contents : The National Academies Committee for the Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Council Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Publications Reviewers Preface Overview 1. Key Concepts APPLICABILITY AND GOALS INTENDED AUDIENCES AND USES OF THE GUIDE ETHICS AND ANIMAL USE THE THREE Rs KEY TERMS USED IN THE GUIDE POLICIES, PRINCIPLES, AND PROCEDURES MUST, SHOULD, AND MAY REFERENCES 2. Animal Care and Use Program REGULATIONS, POLICIES, AND PRINCIPLES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERSIGHT DISASTER PLANNING AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS REFERENCES 3. Environment, Housing, and Management TERRESTRIAL ANIMALS AQUATIC ANIMALS REFERENCES 4. Veterinary Care ANIMAL PROCUREMENT AND TRANSPORTATION PREVENTIVE MEDICINE CLINICAL CARE AND MANAGEMENT SURGERY PAIN AND DISTRESS ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA EUTHANASIA REFERENCES 5. Physical Plant GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FUNCTIONAL AREAS CONSTRUCTION GUIDELINES SPECIAL FACILITIES SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL REFERENCES Addendum Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Eighth Edition Appendices Appendix A Additional Selected References Appendix B U.S. Government Principles for the Utilization and Care of Vertebrate Animals Used in Testing, Research, and Training Appendix C Statement of Task Appendix D About the Authors