An animal's environment affects its health, and as a result can impact the outcome of a study in which they are used as models. That's why it is important to make sure each habitat is the right fit for each animal.

Habitats must provide the animals with comfort and safety. The animals must be able to move freely within them and have access to clean food and water

Placing too many animals in a cage or putting animals in habitats that are inappropriate causes stress in the animals. Such stress can affect the animals, which can affect research data.

The term "bedding" refers to the actual bedding material that comes into direct contact with laboratory animals or any substance used to absorb waste products in collection pans in habitats. Bedding is part of a laboratory animal's environment, and thus must meet certain standards. It must not contain nutrients or be treated with deodorizers, disinfectants, or other chemicals, as these could hurt the animals and impact the research.

There is no ideal bedding material for all species. Ground corn cob, wood shavings, as well as paper and straw (for large animals) are common types of bedding.

Environmental enrichment is an attempt to reduce stress in laboratory animals by allowing them to do the same sorts of things they would do if they were living in the wild. This can include housing compatible animals together in the same habitat, or next to each other so they can see, hear and smell each other. It also includes exercise, exploration, manipulation of objects to find treats, and social interaction with researchers.

Enrichment can be as simple as providing frogs in a tank with a piece of plastic pipe in which to hide, or providing paper material for rats to build a nest.