Elevating the standards of laboratory animal science to enhance animal welfare and excellence in research.

Welcome to the new website for Canadian Association for Laboratory Animal Science (CALAS). With a new look and enhanced functionality, this site has been designed as a one-stop resource for key information about the laboratory animal sciences community in Canada and the humane use and care of laboratory animals.

Whether you are a member of our organization or simply a visitor to the site, our aim is to help answer your questions and provide information about this important industry.

To find out more about CALAS and its regional chapters, membership, registry, symposiums and events, click on the links to the side.

The CALAS Registry exam application is now available. For information on how to apply please click here!

The CALAS Registry Committee has had a ground breaking year. A team of over 15 volunteers has worked hard over the last 7 months to review and revise Registry exams and processes at all levels.

One key piece that Registry has been working with is the Registered Laboratory Animal Technician(Research), or RLAT(R) examination. RLAT(R) was previously the examination offered to laboratory animal technicians who worked strictly in research labs, and who had limited or no access to laboratory animal facilities. At the time of its inception, there was a definitive separation between the research lab animal technician and the facility lab animal technician – a separation that no longer exists in the workplaces of today. Registry has been left questioning the need for two separate designations, in a time when all lab animal technicians are “super techs” who have well-rounded knowledge and understanding of all aspects of laboratory animal care.

Going forward, Registry would like to propose that all candidates challenging examinations at the RLAT/RLAT(R) level be examined using one comprehensive, standardized exam that includes all aspects of each of the two previous designations. All Registry members currently carrying the RLAT(R) (or RMLAT(R)) designation will continue to do so, and their credentials will not in any way be minimized or lessened by this transition. The change will simply bring the two exam streams into one process, and enable Registry to award a globally standardized designation to all registered technicians.

We welcome your comments on this transition. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

The 2008 Annual Sponsorship package is now available

For more information on the Annual Sponsorship Program please Click Here

or, download the application!