The American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP) mission is:

To provide a mechanism for the exchange of scientific and technical information among veterinarians engaged in laboratory animal practice.

To actively encourage its members to provide training for veterinarians in the field of laboratory animal practice at both the pre and postdoctoral levels and lend their expertise to institutions conducting laboratory animal medicine programs.

To encourage the development and dissemination of knowledge in areas related to laboratory animal practice.

To act as a spokesperson for laboratory animal practitioners within the AVMA House of Delegates and to work with other organizations involved in the care and use of laboratory animals in representing our common interests and concerns to the scientific community and the public at large.

History

On August 24, 1966, the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, Public Law 89-544, became law. This law mandated that "adequate veterinary care" be provided for some species of laboratory animals kept under certain conditions. At that time, there was no organization open to all interested veterinarians which was dedicated exclusively to the problems of laboratory animal practice. Nor was there an organization devoted to the promotion or training of veterinarians engaged in laboratory animal practice. On September 29, 1966, thirty-seven concerned veterinarians met to discuss the organizational needs in the field of laboratory animal practice. This meeting resulted in the decision to form the American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners (ASLAP). On July 11, 1967, ASLAP was incorporated in the State of Illinois and was recognized as an ancillary organization of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  In 1971, ASLAP attained sufficient numbers of members to have a voting representative in the House of Delegates of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). On July 3, 1986, ASLAP became an affiliate of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.

ASLAP Policy Statements 

Definition of Animal Welfare

Humane Endpoints 

Use of USDA Licensed Class B Dealers