History
The College was founded in 1957 to encourage education, training and research in laboratory animal medicine; to establish standards of training and experience for veterinarians professionally concerned with the care and health of laboratory animals; and to recognize qualified persons in laboratory animal medicine by certification examination and other means. The College was chartered on February 18, 1957, and is incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit organization. It is a specialty board recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association.
The College was originally established as the American Board of Laboratory Animal Medicine by 18 "charter Fellows" who had made significant contributions to laboratory animal medicine and were actively engaged in the specialty. The name of the organization was changed to its present form on August 24, 1961, and the term "Fellow" was discontinued in favor of "Diplomate." The College has grown steadily and its active membership now numbers over 706 Diplomates. There are 625 active Diplomates, 69 retired Diplomates and 12 honorary members.
The basic policies and concepts of the College have not changed since its formation. The testing and certification of qualified veterinarians in this specialty continues to have the highest priority. Educational programs of the College also receive strong emphasis to appraise the membership and the scientific community of advances in laboratory animal medicine. A strategic plan was approved in 1993 and implemented in 1994 to enhance and broaden the activities of the College.