Which organization is best known for accrediting laboratory animal care standards?

• A. AAALAC
• B. IRB
• C. NIH
• D. FDA

Answer: (A)

Accreditation of laboratory animal care standards involves an independent, external evaluation of an institution’s program for the care and use of animals, checking housing, veterinary care, staff training, and humane endpoints against established guidelines. The organization best known for this is AAALAC International, whose voluntary accreditation program conducts site visits, reviews documentation, and ensures compliance with the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Institutions pursue AAALAC accreditation to demonstrate a strong commitment to high welfare standards, and the accreditation is widely recognized internationally. Other options don’t serve as accrediting bodies for animal care: an IRB protects human research subjects rather than animals; NIH provides funding and policy guidance but does not accredit animal care programs; and the FDA regulates product safety and oversees animal research practices but is not an accrediting organization for animal care standards.