AAALAC Releases Most Recent Trends in Accreditation Site Visit Findings

AAALAC, International (AAALAC) is a private, non-profit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary program assessments and subsequent accreditation.

As you may recall, the University of Michigan (U-M)’s last accreditation visit by AAALAC occurred in July 2017. Generally speaking, full AAALAC accreditation is granted at three-year intervals; therefore, we are planning for the next AAALAC Site Visit to occur in either July or August 2020.*

*This timeframe will depend entirely on the feedback and guidance provided by local and state health officials, and AAALAC’s ability to identify site team members that are able to travel to conduct the visit.

To help prepare for the upcoming site visit, you are encouraged to review AAALAC’s recently released ‘Trends Data Review’ in addition to the carefully-curated preparatory tools and resources distributed by the Animal Care & Use Program in late April.

As part of the ‘Trends Data Review,' AAALAC looked at five years of site visit data collected between 2013 and 2018. The review identified program areas that received the most “Suggestions for Improvement” (SFIs) or required “Mandatory” changes before accreditation could be awarded/granted. The findings were compiled in a brief presentation and also include a summary of key challenge areas.
 

"The latest 'Trends Data Review' is intended to be an educational benchmarking tool that organizations can use as they evaluate their own animal care and use programs," said Dr. Helen Diggs, Senior Director for AAALAC International, author of the review.

"It's important to note that while the review does identify challenge areas, the vast majority of institutions that participate in the accreditation program maintain a 'fully accredited' status. We are proud of the commitment our accredited programs make to continuously maintain high standards for quality animal care and scientific research."

While these findings are not specific to U-M, they do provide a unique opportunity to benchmark, evaluate, and assess the U-M Animal Care & Use Program in relation to other AAALAC-accredited institutions.

For more information about the AAALAC 2020 Site Visit, including additional resources for preparation and important news and updates, please bookmark the AAALAC webpage  on the Animal Care & Use Program website.

Questions?

Questions about the AAALAC Site Visit should be directed to the Animal Care & Use Office at acuoffice@umich.edu or (734) 763-8028.

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