Research in the biomedical area demands a large number of laboratory animals with specific biological characteristics and in the opportunity requested by the researcher. In order to accomplish this task, the veterinarian specialized in laboratory animals designs and operates reproductive methods according to the needs of the research community. The Cuban Society of Laboratory Animal Science was established to oversee the care and use of experimental animals in Cuba. The SCCAL conducts evaluations based on its own guidelines. This Manual establishes the general principles for the care and use of animals. This material will serve as a guide for the students of the subject of Laboratory Animals taught at UTEX, since it develops a series of aspects that cover the needs of students and users of experimental animals.