Frequently Asked Questions - General
Here are answers to common general questions about AAALAC International...
What is AAALAC?
AAALAC International (the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International) is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through a voluntary accreditation program, a Program Status Evaluation service, and educational programs. More than 800 animal care and use programs around the world have earned AAALAC International accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use. These programs include academic institutions, commercial organizations, hospitals and government agencies. AAALAC has been working to promote animal well-being and enhance life sciences research and education since 1965.
How is AAALAC governed?
AAALAC is governed by a Board of Trustees. The Board consists of more than 60 prestigious scientific, educational and professional organizations—they are referred to as AAALAC's "Member Organizations." Each of these Member Organizations appoints a representative to serve a three-year term on the AAALAC Board. By actively involving major organizations, AAALAC International remains responsive to the issues that members face, while making sure that members of the scientific community understand and support the AAALAC International accreditation program.
What is the Council on Accreditation?
The Council on Accreditation is at the heart of AAALAC's mission and work. The Council is comprised of highly accomplished animal care and use professionals from around the globe who conduct the program assessments that determine which institutions are awarded AAALAC accreditation. Their responsibilities include conducting site visits, reviewing site visit reports, evaluating information, reviewing yearly reports from accredited institutions, and conferring the accreditation status of institutions. The Council is divided into North American, European, and Pacific Rim Sections.
How does someone become a Council member?
Council members are appointed by the Board and are typically selected from AAALAC's pool of ad hoc Consultants (see next question). Potential new members are nominated by current Council members, Board members, or colleagues from AAALAC Member Organizations. Council members are highly qualified and knowledgeable about diverse animal program and management issues. Many are veterinarians or animal care and use professionals.
What are ad hoc Consultants?
AAALAC maintains a worldwide pool of more than 200 ad hoc Consultants/Specialists who have expertise beyond the realm of traditional laboratory animal species as well as specific expertise (for example, in aquatics, or agricultural science). Many also have unique discipline competencies, such as applied neuroscience, behavioral science, toxicology, pharmacology or physiology. Ad hoc Consultants/Specialists accompany Council members on site visits and make recommendations to the Council. These specialists add depth to the site visit team. They understand the intricacies of combining research, testing and educational missions with animal well-being.
How does someone become an ad hoc Consultant/Specialist?
Individuals who want to become an ad hoc Consultant/Specialist submit an application to become a Consultant. Once a year, a committee of the Council reviews all applications and selects candidates based on established guidelines. Ad hoc Consultants/Specialists must have a minimum of four years training or experience in the care or use of laboratory animals. Their experience must show that they have acquired knowledge of performance standards and regulations, and have demonstrated an interest in, and commitment to, laboratory animal science. Ad hoc Consultants/Specialists serve a three-year term.
How many animal care and use programs are accredited?
Currently, more than 800 animal care and use programs in 34* countries have earned AAALAC International accreditation. These programs include academic institutions, commercial organizations, agricultural research programs, government agencies, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
* AAALAC accredited institutions can be found in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Denmark, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mauritius, Norway, P.R. China, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan/R.O.C., Thailand, The Netherlands, the United States and Vietnam.
Does AAALAC make its own regulations and policies?
No, AAALAC is not a regulatory body and does not make or enforce regulations. Instead, AAALAC relies on widely accepted guidelines, such as the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals(NRC 1996), and other resources. AAALAC does, however, publish "position statements" that can be used as supplemental guidelines in dealing with certain issues, such as the use of farm animals, occupational health and safety, or adequate veterinary care. AAALAC also publishes its "Rules of Accreditation," a document that lists the minimum criteria institutions must meet before they can apply for accreditation.
How extensive is an AAALAC evaluation?
AAALAC evaluates all aspects of an animal care and use program. An animal program (as defined by AAALAC) includes an organization's procedures and overall performance in animal care and use. The basic components that are evaluated include (but are not limited to) institutional policies, animal husbandry, veterinary care and the physical plant.
Are small programs eligible?
Yes. AAALAC encourages every animal program, large or small, to achieve the highest standards for responsible animal care and use. The standards used to evaluate programs are universal, and can be implemented in programs of any size. Likewise, programs using nontraditional research animals, such as fish or birds, are also encouraged to seek accreditation.
Are agricultural animal programs eligible?
Yes. Programs that use agricultural animals in research or for teaching are embracing the AAALAC accreditation program. The Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching (FASS), along with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals (NRC 1996), is used to provide general parameters for the use of agricultural animals. For animals in an agricultural setting, AAALAC International takes the position that, in accredited facilities, the housing and care for farm animals should meet the standards that prevail on a high-quality, well-managed farm.
How much does accreditation cost?
Organizations seeking and maintaining accreditation are asked to pay a one-time application fee and subsequent annual fees. Both of these fees are based on a sliding scale that generally correlates with the size of an institution’s animal facility. An institution that has very few animals will pay much smaller fees than one that maintains a large vivarium and extensive support areas. The fees cover the cost of periodic site visits and administrative expenses.
AAALAC International determines the group classification during the review of the application. This classification, based primarily on the size of the facility and the time necessary to conduct a site visit, establishes a fair fee schedule. The established fee schedule may be amended as necessary to reflect the costs of operating the accreditation program. Revocation of accreditation shall be automatic if a unit is twelve (12) months in arrears for payment of fees. Please see http://www.aaalac.org/accreditation/fees.cfm for the fee schedule.
Payment may be made by check, credit card, wire transfer (contact the AAALAC International office for bank details), or purchase order.
Additional FAQs:
|