American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a non-profit membership organization with a mission to advance responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals. AALAS provides educational materials, conducts professional meetings, and develops standards for the care and use of laboratory animals.

History

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science was founded in 1950. The organization was initially established to address the lack of standardized training and education for those working with laboratory animals.

Mission

The mission of AALAS is to advance responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals. This is achieved through education, training, and certification programs, as well as through advocacy and the development of professional standards.

Membership

Membership in AALAS is open to anyone interested in the fields of laboratory animal care and use. Members include veterinarians, researchers, animal care staff, and others involved in animal science.

Education and Certification

AALAS offers a variety of educational resources and certification programs for individuals in the laboratory animal science field. These include the Laboratory Animal Technologist (LAT), Laboratory Animal Technician (LATG), and Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) certifications.

Advocacy

AALAS advocates for the responsible care and use of laboratory animals in research, testing, and education. The organization works to promote understanding and acceptance of these practices among the public, policymakers, and the scientific community.

See Also

• Laboratory Animal Science
• Animal Testing
• Animal Welfare