Record-keeping requirements of the Animal Welfare Regulations state that:

The correct response centers on the importance of maintaining acquisition records specifically for dogs and cats received by the research facility. This requirement is drawn from the Animal Welfare Regulations, which stipulate that institutions must keep detailed records of the acquisition of specific animals, particularly those that are highly regulated, to ensure their welfare and the accountability of the facility.

In the case of dogs and cats, these records play a crucial role in tracking the origin of animals used in research, helping to uphold standards of humane treatment and compliance with federal regulations. This is particularly pertinent because these species have broader implications within ethical discussions surrounding animal research and welfare.

Other options, while they may contain elements of record-keeping related to animal welfare, do not address this specific regulatory requirement as directly as the correct choice does. For instance, while IACUC records are important and must be maintained, they are indeed subject to inspection by the USDA, which disqualifies that option from being accurate. Similarly, while maintaining health records for all vertebrate species is critical, the emphasis here is on the specific requirements for acquisition records for dogs and cats, making that choice the most accurate representation of the regulatory expectations.