The term "specific pathogen free" (SPF) implies the bioexclusion of a defined list of organisms that can cause disease in a host. Due to many different factors including animal source, vivarium layout, microbiological history, engineering standards, operation practice, and experimental needs, the bioexclusion list tends to be specific for many institutions using live animals in biomedical research. As such, the design and implementation of institution-specific health monitoring program can also vary based on needs. By comparison, laboratory animal producers and users in China are subject to GB regulations which have established a national bioexclusion list based on animal health categories, as well as set detailed engineering standards for vivarium operations based on specific animal health profiles. In addition to summarizing the SPF list of major rodent vendors in North America, the purpose of this article is to bring attention to the different factors animal users should take into consideration when evaluating one's own bioexclusion list and designing institution-specific health monitoring program for laboratory mice and rats, in order to assure animal colony health and scientific integrity.