The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.

The 8 edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (The Guide) was released in December 2010. It is important for those involved with designing, operating and maintaining animal research facilities to be familiar and in compliance with the key recommendations and additions in the 2010 edition of ‘The Guide’ to ensure that renovated and new facilities receive AAALAC accreditation. The purpose of ‘The Guide’ is to assist institutions in caring for and using animals in ways judged to be scientifically, technically, ethically and humanely appropriate. Recommendations in ‘The Guide’ are based on published data, scientific principles, expert opinion, and experience with methods and practices that have proven to be consistent with both high-quality research and humane animal care and use. Designing, constructing, operating and maintaining a facility to the principles stated in ‘The Guide’ are critical to allowing the scientific community to advance research programs. In all instances where ‘The Guide’ recommendations are different from other applicable legal or policy requirements, the higher standard should apply.