Animal experiments are important methods for scientific research. During animal experiments, it is crucial to select the appropriate anesthetics, not only to ensure the smoothly performed operational procedure and obtaining reliable experimental data, but also to avoid the suffering of laboratory animals and ensure their welfare as more as possible. In recent years, the ethical issues related to laboratory animal welfare have drawn more and more attention. In this review, we briefly discuss the selection of commonly used anesthetics during animal experiments, such as inhaled anesthetics, including diethyl ether, sevoflurane and isoflurane, as well as non-inhaled anesthetics, including pentobarbital sodium, chloral hydrate, ketamine and urethane, and the possibly involved ethical issues related to the application of those anesthetics.