Apply to Become a Member Organization

What it means to be an AAALAC International Member Organization

AAALAC International Member Organizations are a select group of prestigious scientific, professional and educational organizations with an interest in advancing animal-based science and education. Each Member Organization appoints a representative to serve as an AAALAC International Member Organization Delegate.

Active involvement of major scientific, educational and professional organizations fosters understanding by members of the scientific community and support of the AAALAC International accreditation program.

The benefits of becoming a Member Organization

Becoming an AAALAC International Member Organization demonstrates your constituents' commitment to responsible animal care and use. It's an opportunity to join with other respected groups to communicate that good animal welfare is critical to quality science and education.

Membership fosters networking with scientists and educators from other disciplines, veterinarians with expertise in research animal medicine, and research advocacy groups. It also offers a chance to help shape AAALAC International's programs and policies.

Eligibility Policy

Eligibility requirements are established by the AAALAC International Board of Directors and include at a minimum, the applicant’s Bylaws, information on its membership composition, any position statement(s) on animal care and use and any representative publications for review. Eligibility is further determined upon the review of all requested information and materials under the Member Organization application link above.

Responsibilities

As a Member Organization, in accordance with our Bylaws, you will appoint one representative to serve as an AAALAC International Member Organization Delegate for a three-year term. The role of the Member Organization Delegate is to act as a liaison between your organization and AAALAC International. Delegates have the opportunity to advise AAALAC International on its programs and policies, vote on behalf of their organizations, participate (in person or electronically) in Member Organization Delegate meetings, and disseminate information about AAALAC International to their organization's membership. Your organization is responsible for any travel costs incurred to send your Delegate to AAALAC International's annual meeting which is usually held in May at a globally accessible venue as advised by AAALAC International. Alternatively, your Delegate may attend the annual meeting virtually at no charge. Please review the AAALAC International Bylaws to learn more about Member Organization and Member Organization Delegate actions and responsibilities.

Applying

Please submit your completed online Application Form and requested materials in electronic format to AAALAC International. Application packages are then reviewed by the Executive Office and once complete and payment has been received (see “Applicaition Fee” below), voted upon  by the  AAALAC International Member Organization Delegates. Receipt of application will be confirmed by email within five business days. If you have not received confirmation or have any questions, please contact the AAALAC International Executive Office.

Application Fee

An application fee of $500 must be submitted with your application. The $500 application fee is nonrefundable.* (There are no additional fees once an organization is accepted as a Member Organization.)

*Once the application packet is submitted, please indicate that a check will follow in the mail or pay online here (Select, Pay Application Fee and when prompted enter "MO" and the year of application (e.g. MO2025). Once payment is received, the application will be processed.