Commitment to Quality Animal Care Shows

FAU recently earned continued accreditation from the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International Council, the world’s premiere organization that sets accountability standards for the care of laboratory animals.

“In the scientific and research community, AAALAC International accreditation demonstrates an institution’s dedication towards setting, achieving and maintaining high standards for animal care and use and that they’re committed to welfare of animals,” said Sylvia Gografe, DVM, DACLAM, Ph.D., attending veterinarian and assistant vice president for the Division of Research Comparative Medicine.

AAALAC International offers the only international accreditation for animal care and use programs, and is recognized as a sign of quality research. It demonstrates a willingness to go above and beyond the minimums required by law, conveying the message that an institution is committed to the responsible care and use of animals in research.

The program engages veterinarians, researches, scientists, managers and administrators in an assessment of their institution’s animal program. Once complete, AAALAC International also guides the institution on best practices for improved animal welfare and better research outcomes.

This achievement furthers FAU’s development as a research institution. AAALAC’s accreditation continues to increase the research programs offered at FAU nationally and internationally while helping to obtain funding from both public and private sectors.

On a recent site visit to FAU, the AAALAC International Council committee commended FAU on the high degree of engagement from FAU personnel, the high level of sanitation of the animal holding facilities and the overall quality of care towards healthy looking animals. FAU’s robust environmental enrichment program, as well as the training programs for researchers, veterinary technicians and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee members, also aided in the review for accreditation.

“AAALAC approving another round of full accreditation shows FAU’s strong commitment to the highest ethical standards in our research and teaching programs,” said Daniel C. Flynn, Ph.D., vice president for Research.