These guidelines follow the recommendation of a number of external bodies to regulate the use of animals in research. They can be used both for transparency in publication, and in this sense they extend what is being requested by journals, or for regulatory or funding institutions, to request information prior, during, or after funding, and to ensure adherence to regulations.

This checklist focuses on the use of rodents in research. Other species (such as marine mammals, primates, or invertebrates) will be covered in future separated checklists.

This checklist is based on and extends the following guidelines: Animals in Research Ethical Guidelines, Guidance for the Description of Animal Research in Scientific Publications, Animals Welfare Act, and ARRIVE guidelines.