Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources

The Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources (ILAR) was founded in 1952 as a national, nongovernmental organization under the auspices of the National Research Council (NRC), the operating arm of the National Academy of Sciences. ILAR develops, collates, and makes available scientific and technical information on laboratory animals, including guidelines for husbandry, health, breeding, and use; descriptions of animal models of human diseases and physiological processes; surveys of facilities and resources; source data on commercial and investigator colony stocks of animals; and correct nomenclature for strains and stocks of animals. The program goal is to provide information that will help to improve the availability, quality, care, and humane and appropriate use of laboratory animals. During its 35-year history, ILAR has established itself as a focal point for the compilation and distribution of information and as a key advisory group in the laboratory animal science field. A framework for governmental and institutional animal-welfare policies has been provided through reports prepared by ILAR committees.