Caption: Amy Cassano
The University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Laboratory Animal Resources has been awarded Continued Full Accreditation from the AAALAC International. AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through a voluntary accreditation program. It was formerly called the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International.
In a March 6 letter, it commended Pitt “for providing and maintaining an exemplary program of laboratory animal care and use.” Amy Cassano, attending veterinarian and director of veterinary services, Division of Laboratory Animal Resources, noted that this is AAALAC’s highest possible rating for an accredited program.
AAALAC called out as especially noteworthy Pitt’s “strong administrative commitment to the program, evidenced in part by the dedicated institutional official; the knowledgeable and dedicated animal care staff; the clean and well maintained facilities, including the zebrafish locations, the surgical and behavioral testing areas; the well managed veterinary care program; the appearance of healthy and well cared for animals; the training programs providing pathways to promotion and diverse compassion fatigue resiliency initiatives; and the comprehensive Environmental Enrichment Program.”