This document is not meant to be a regulatory statement but rather to be utilized as a guideline for research institutions who are trying to adhere to the training regulations detailed by various governmental agencies. It is our hope that institutions and individuals will take a proactive stance in requiring adequate training and experience for persons performing experimental surgery on laboratory animals. Only by adherence to voluntary standards that ensure humane care and use of laboratory animals in research can we expect to avoid more stringent laws and regulations. More importantly, by adhering to these voluntary standards the quality of animal research can be improved, which should result in more effective and efficient use of our resources.