Mission Statement: AALAS is an association of professionals that advances responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals.

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a membership association of professionals employed around the world in academia, government, and private industry who are dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals, as well as the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals. AALAS provides educational materials to laboratory animal care professionals and researchers, administers certification programs for laboratory animal technicians and managers, publishes scholarly journals, supports laboratory animal science research, and serves as the premier forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Below is a sampling of the programs, products, and services we provide our members and the laboratory animal science community.

AALAS National Meeting. Over 200 educational presentations are made each year at our National Meeting. These seminars, platform sessions, special lectures, workshops, and round-table discussions cover a wide range of topics of interest to AALAS members and other lab animal professionals.

Publications. Our award-winning publications cover topics of interest to everyone involved in the care and use of laboratory animals and keep members up to date on the latest association news.

Certification. Nationally recognized as the authoritative endorsement of technician competence, our technician certification program certifies three levels of technical knowledge. The Technician Certification Registry is a voluntary program for technicians to demonstrate a current, credible level of knowledge. Laboratory animal facility managers will be interested in our Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) program, which is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field. The annual CEU requirement ensures that certified animal resource managers are abreast of the latest in management techniques and theory.

Advocacy. Advocating for our members and promoting the value of the laboratory animal science profession and the numerous health related benefits to legislators and policymakers is an important priority for AALAS. To do this, we address legislative and regulatory issues that affect the laboratory animal science community, as well as the profession. We also strive to keep our members informed about Washington’s legislative and regulatory activities through advisories, articles, and updates in AALAS in Action. The AALAS Government Relations Committee, along with the assistance of our AALAS members and the advocates of other animal welfare-related groups, monitor federal legislative and regulatory issues. The AALAS Government Relations Committee will make recommendations and our position known on these policies and positions on federal legislative and regulatory issues that influence animal health and welfare and advance the laboratory animal science profession.

Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM). ILAM is an education program for professional laboratory animal managers that focuses on management concepts applicable to the animal resource industry.

AALAS Learning Library. The AALAS Learning Library (ALL) provides online learning opportunities in professional development and laboratory animal science courses for ongoing education and training.

Job Search Resources. The CareerLine page provides year-round opportunities for job seekers. In addition, the AALAS National Meeting features a Career Center to give attendees a chance to discuss career opportunities with potential employees or employers.

National Awards. Seven professional and technical awards for excellence in the field of laboratory animal science are given each year at the AALAS National Meeting.

Listserves. Join the discussion! Thousands of professionals involved in the care and use of laboratory animals use our listserves to get quick answers and talk about issues relating to comparative medicine, laboratory animal medicine, or biomedical research.

Regional and Branch Meetings. AALAS members also have access to nearly 50 regional and branch groups that provide networking and educational opportunities close to where you work and live. Check our calendar for the latest branch and district meetings.

Member Directory. AALAS members have access to a searchable member directory; they can also update their directory information online. Directory information is compiled in the annual AALAS Reference Directory -- a handy reference tool for members that also contains information about AALAS products and services and a technical reference section.

Public Outreach. The AALAS Foundation provides funding for projects to promote the awareness of biomedical research and its contributions to society. AALAS, through the Foundation, provides a variety of public outreach tools in the form of flyers, posters, web sites, videos and DVDs, and classroom materials.

The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science believes that the use of laboratory animals in scientific and medical research is essential to the improvement and protection of the quality of all life. The humane and responsible care of laboratory animals is vital to quality research and, as such, an essential aspect of AALAS endeavors. AALAS is dedicated to building and disseminating a knowledge base in laboratory animal science for the education and training of those who work in this field.

The Code of Ethics for members of AALAS has been adopted by the Board of Trustees to promote and maintain the highest standards of professional and personal conduct among its members. Adherence to these standards is required for membership in the Association and serves to assure public confidence in the integrity and service of AALAS members.