The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that single housing of social species should be the exception. AAALAC International holds a similar position, namely that social housing will be considered the default method of housing social species unless justified based on social incompatibility resulting from inappropriate behavior, veterinary concerns regarding animal well-being or scientific necessity approved by the IACUC. Social housing is considered the default method of housing unless otherwise justified.

Reference this directive when designing an animal study and planning housing needs.

• Directive 8.0: Social Housing of Lab Animals [PDF]