Please note that the documents on this page are for reference only. Although accurate when originally released, they may now contain out-of-date information, including broken hyperlinks. They remain solely for historical purposes and are not considered current guidance.

The NIH adopted the 8th Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (Guide) effective January 1, 2012. In OLAW's judgment, the 8th Edition of the Guide empowers continued advancement in the humane care and use of vertebrate animals in research, research training, and biological testing.

Position Statements

• Position Statements: OLAW Responds to Concerns
  • These Position Statements describe how OLAW expects Assured institutions to implement the 8th Edition of the Guide. OLAW clarified the Position Statements in May 2012 in response to comments from the public about their understanding of the Position Statements.
    
    
• Public Comments on Position Statements
• View the comments submitted by individuals and organizations from December 1, 2011 to February 3, 2012 on their understanding of the Position Statements.

Background

• Public Comments on Adoption of the Guide
  • View the comments submitted in spring 2011 by individuals and organizations on if the NIH should adopt the Guide and the proposed implementation plan.
    
    
• Helpful Resources
  
  

  To assist Assured institutions in implementation of the 8th Edition of the Guide, OLAW has updated the following guidance resources and sample documents:

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Tutorial for PHS Policy
  • Annual Report to OLAW
  • Animal Welfare Assurances (Domestic, Foreign and Interinstitutional)
  • Semiannual Program Review and Facility Inspection Checklist
  • Semiannual Report to the Institutional Official
  • Animal Study Proposal
    
    
• Federal Register Notices
  • June 26, 2012 Federal Register Notice (PDF - 200 KB): Clarification of Position Statements on Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
  • December 1, 2011 Federal Register Notice (PDF - 148 KB): Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• May 11, 2011 Federal Register Notice (PDF - 180 KB): Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Notice of Additional Extension of Public Comment Period.
• March 29, 2011 Federal Register Notice (PDF - 148 KB): Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Notice of Extension of Public Comment Period.
• February 24, 2011 Federal Register Notice (PDF - 183 KB): Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Notice.

• NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts Notices
  • NOT-OD-12-112: Clarification of Position Statements on Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
  • NOT-OD-12-042: Extension of Comment Period on the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare Position Statements 
  • NOT-OD-12-020: Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition  
• NOT-OD-11-082: Consideration of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
• NOT-OD-11-066: Additional Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition and Removal of Character Limit for Comments
• NOT-OD-11-056: Extended Comment Period on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
• NOT-OD-11-042: Public Comment Period Open on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition
• NOT-OD-10-102: Update of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals

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