In order to better understand the critical issues pertaining to the concept of performance standards for laboratory animal use, the Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Roundtable on Science and Welfare in Laboratory Animal Use held a public workshop on April 20-21, 2015. The purpose of the workshop was to promote the appropriate and responsible care of animals in research, to provide a balanced and civil forum for discussion and collaboration, and to help build transparency and trust among stakeholders. Participants addressed the challenges of defining, developing, implementing, assessing, and validating performance standards to ensure "optimal practices, management, and operations." This report summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop.