The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) is a much-respected forum for the exchange of information and expertise in the care and use of laboratory animals. Since 1950, the organization has been dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals and the quality research that leads to scientific gains that benefit people and animals. A membership association

AALAS 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.

1. Maintain the highest standard of personal conduct.
2. Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the profession of laboratory animal science.
3. Maintain loyalty to the profession of laboratory animal science and pursue its objective in ways that are consistent with the public interest.
4. Recognize and discharge my responsibility and that of my position to uphold all laws and regulations relating to the profession of laboratory animal science.
5. Strive for excellence in all aspects of the profession of laboratory animal science.
6. Use only legal and ethical means in all professional activities.
7. Maintain the confidentiality of privileged information entrusted or known to me by virtue of my position.
8. Refuse to engage in, or countenance, activities for personal gain at the expense of the profession of laboratory animal science.
9. Always communicate associated internal and external statements in a truthful and accurate manner.
10. Cooperate in every reasonable and proper way with others and work with them in the advancement of the profession of laboratory animal science.
11. Use every opportunity to improve public understanding of the role of the profession of laboratory animal science.

AALAS promotes its core values and mission through a national meeting program of more than 200 scientific presentations, award-winning publications  and other educational programs.  Nationally recognized as the authoritative endorsement of technician competence, the AALAS Certification and Registry Board (CRB) certifies three levels of technician competence:

• Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT)
• Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT)
• Laboratory Animal Technologist (LATG)

These technician certification designations are well known and widely used throughout the varied fields of laboratory animal care. In fact, these certifications have come to be a common requirement for a lab animal care position.  For additional information on the education, work experience and other qualifications required as well as the testing process for certification, please click here.

Laboratory animal facility managers may pursue the designation of Certified Manager of Animal Resources (CMAR) in an AALAS program 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. The Institute for Laboratory Animal Management (ILAM) is an education program for professional laboratory animal managers that focuses on management concepts applicable to the animal resource industry.