History of AALAS
The provision of adequate and compassionate care for research animals was initially the desire of veterinarians, research investigators, and animal care personnel. In 1946, a few of these dedicated individuals began meeting at the University of Chicago to exchange ideas and information, with the primary goals of improving the care, comfort, and health of animals.
At the time, Dr. Nathan Brewer was in charge of the animal facilities at the University. In May 1950, the Animal Care Panel (ACP) was organized and programs were launched by the mailing of letters to all people in the United States and Canada who were to have an interest in laboratory animal care. The letter proposed the establishment of a national animal care panel. The basic philosophy of the ACP was that those who use animals for research have a moral obligation to provide for their needs and ensure their welfare.
In 1953, the ACP became an incorporated nonprofit association. Regulations for the care of dogs and standards for animal care were prepared. Soon after, a committee was formed to plan educational courses in laboratory animal care with preparation of an accompanying training syllabus to meet expanding instruction needs for animal technicians. In 1955, the ACP moved to New York City and was located within the New York Academy of Science. During its time in New York, the ACP and the Research and Educational Foundation incorporated separately from each other. The Research and Educational Foundation went on to raise financial support for laboratory animal research and care. The office returned to Chicago in 1957 where it shared facilities with the National Society for Medical Research.
In 1961, the ACP office was moved to Argonne, Illinois. Members of the Institute for Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) and the ACP established the Animal Technician Certification Board (ATCB). An ad hoc Professional Standards Committee, under the leadership of Dr. Bennett J. Cohen, was formed to develop professional standars for laboratory animal care and facilities. Cohen's committee explored criteria for developing a voluntary certification program to recognize quality animal care facilities. Later that year, this group became the Facilities Certification Committee and in 1963 it again changed its name to the Animal Facilities Accreditation Board. The Animal Facilities Accreditation Board became a private nonprofit organization in 1965 and its name was change to the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (currently it is known as the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care – AAALAC). The ACP at this time, had 25 members.
By 1966, the ACP had grown to include 1,911 members, 21 branches, and a board of 36 directors. A committee was then formed to consider a new name for the organization since it was outgrowing its administrative structure.
By 1967, the committee had decided to rename the ACP the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS). The first laboratory animal technician manual was also published for certification at the Senior Animal Technician Level. In 1973, the use of nationwide standardized technician examinations was implemented. In 1999, the AALAS National Office moved to a new and current building in Memphis, Tennesee.