Animal Care and Use Guidance Materials

Primary Guides for Animal Care and Use

• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (2011)
• Guideline for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Research and Teaching (2020)
• AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia (2020)

Federal References

• PHS Policy on Humane Care and Use of Animals in Research (2015)
• Animal Welfare Act and Regulations (2023)
• Animal Welfare Inspection Guide (2025)

Secondary Guides for Animal Care and Use

• AFS and ASIH Guidelines for the Use of Fishes in Research (2014 with AAALAC caveats)
• CCAC Care and Use of Fish in Research, Teaching, and Testing (2005 with AAALAC caveats)
• Guidance on the Housing and Care of Zebrafish (2011 with AAALAC caveats)
• Guidelines for the Care and Welfare of Cephalopods in Research (2015 with AAALAC caveats)
• Guidelines for the Use of Wild Mammals in Research and Education (2016 with AAALAC caveats)
• Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research (2023 with AAALAC caveats)
• Guidelines for Use of Amphibians and Reptiles (ASIH 2004 with AAALAC caveats)

Other Guidance Sites and Materials

• Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare (OLAW)
• Bibliography on Alternatives to Animal Testing
• Animal Welfare Information Center
• NIH Office of Extramural Research resources for enhancing rigor of animal research
• Experimental Design Assistant for animal research