AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs. AAALAC Int. accreditation is recognized as the gold standard for laboratory animal care. More than 1,100 companies, universities, hospitals, government agencies and other research institutions in 50 countries/regions have earned AAALAC accreditation, including the NPRCs, demonstrating their commitment to responsible animal care and use. These institutions volunteer to participate in AAALAC’s program, in addition to complying with all applicable local and national laws that regulate animal research.