AAALAC International is not a regulatory body and does not make or enforce regulations. Instead, AAALAC relies on what it refers to as the “Three Primary Standards” that are used by the Council on Accreditation to evaluate animal care and use programs. Supplementing these primary standards, and applicable Legislation/Regulations, are AAALAC “Position Statements,” “Guidance Statements” and “Reference Resources.” Council has also developed a list of answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” to further clarify AAALAC’s expectations. Each of these is described below. For additional detail, download the i-brief on "AAALAC International standards: The review and adoption process explained."
The Primary Standards constitute the foundational values used to benchmark research institutions. They address multiple areas of the animal care and use program. They have been developed independently of AAALAC but have been adopted as fundamental, essential, and core to AAALAC’s mission. They form the foundation of standards (minimum requirements) used for the AAALAC’s evaluation process. These standards can serve the Council on Accreditation (COA) to identify program gaps in the form of Mandatory Items for correction or Suggestions for Improvement, for many different program topics.
Currently, AAALAC International's Council on Accreditation uses what it calls the “Three Primary Standards” to evaluate animal care and use programs. They are:
The adoption of these documents by AAALAC's governing body as primary standards signifies the importance of these performance-based guidelines in the accreditation process. Click here to review the Three Primary Standards.
Accreditable units are expected to comply with implementing legislation that applies to all areas of the animal care and use program in the country or region where they are located. These serve as the foundation, along with Primary Standards, as the basis for program evaluation. Accredited programs are expected to comply with the strictest of the two standards, and with the recommendations of the Primary Standards for topics not well addressed in the legislation.
AAALAC International publishes “Position Statements” that are used as supplemental requirements and recommendations in dealing with certain issues, such as adequate veterinary care, standards for the use of farm animals, and occupational health and safety. Position Statements are developed by Council to provide in-depth guidance on AAALAC’s expectations regarding these aspects of an animal care and use program. Position Statements provide enduring direction for the Council and the accreditation community on key aspects of animal care and use. Click here to review the Position Statements.
This is a new category of standards that was approved by the Council in early 2025. AAALAC International publishes “Guidance Statements” that are developed by AAALAC and provide clarification on Council’s interpretation of expectations for specific aspects of accreditation. Currently, AAALAC Council is reviewing the existing FAQs to determine if they are more appropriately classified as Guidance Statements. Click here to review the Guidance Statements.
AAALAC’s Council also refers to other specialty publications for supplemental information about procedures or techniques related to the care and use of laboratory animals. These specialty publications are called “Reference Resources.” These references have been formally reviewed and adopted by AAALAC’s Council on Accreditation as guidance for accredited units and may be referred to by Council members in evaluating programs. In some cases, Council has added notes to the front page of the reference to provide additional information on any exclusions or to further clarify the reference.
Resources are categorized into:
When applicable, clarifying notes are appended to the Reference Resource to provide additional information on any exclusions or clarification in the reference. Click here to review the Reference Resources.
The Council on Accreditation has developed answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to provide additional clarification on the accreditation process and AAALAC's interpretation of potential scenarios derived from the Guide. Click here to review the FAQs. Currently, AAALAC Council is in the process of reviewing the existing FAQs to determine if they are more appropriately classified as Guidance Statements with the goal that FAQs should be more administrative.
For additional detail, download the i-brief on "AAALAC International standards: The review and adoption process explained."