The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals was first published in 1963 under the title Guide for Laboratory Animal Facilities and Care and was revised in 1965, 1968, 1972, and 1978. It was given its current title in 1972 to reflect the enlarged scope of its recommendations. More than 300,000 copies have been distributed since it was first published, and it is widely accepted by scientific institutions as a primary reference on animal care and use. The changes and the new material in this edition are in keeping with the belief that the Guide must be a living document, subject to modification with changing conditions and new information.

Before revision of this edition, members of the scientific community and public were invited to comment on the Guide at three open meetings held in Washington, DC, on May 17, 1983; in San Francisco, California, on July 11, 1983; and in Chicago, Illinois, on July 12, 1983. Comments received at these meetings, as well as all other written comments received, were reviewed and considered by the committee. The purpose of the Guide is to assist institutions in caring for and using laboratory animals in ways judged to be professionally and humanely appropriate. The recommendations are based on published data, scientific principles, expert opinion, and experience with methods and practices that have proven to be consistent with high quality humane animal care and use.