Our Objectives

  • 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.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advance laboratory animal practitioners through career development, recruitment, and representation in the greater professional community.

Our Vision

Be the leading organization for laboratory animal practitioners.

Representing Laboratory Animal Veterinarians in the AVMA

ASLAP is the only organization to officially represent laboratory animal veterinarians within the AVMA's governance structure. This is an important role that ASLAP serves as it promotes laboratory animal science within organized veterinary medicine and helps the AVMA promote research. For further information on this function, please read this White Paper on ASLAP involvement in the AVMA.

ASLAP White Paper on the AVMA  by Dr. Stacy Pritt 10/6/2015

2023-2026 Strategic Plan

Our 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 Statement on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

The American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners is an organization of veterinary professionals that embraces the full spectrum of diversity, including race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Our organization values diversity in our membership and is committed to a culture of inclusion and equity.  We celebrate multiple approaches and points of view and expect respectful dialogue and exploration of diverse ideas, topics, perspectives, and issues to enrich our profession.

We expect our members to hold themselves and our peers accountable to a professional code of conduct that rejects and condemns racism, sexism, discrimination, violence, systemic injustice, and inequity.  As a participant in this community, we ask members to commit to creating a profession where every member of our community feels valued, safe and can reach their full potential regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.

Animal Welfare Policy Statements

Contact ASLAP at (901) 333-0498 or aslap-info@aslap.org