Founded in 1979, NABR provides the unified voice for the scientific community on legislative and regulatory matters affecting laboratory animal research. NABR's membership is comprised of almost 300 public and private universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, voluntary health agencies, professional societies, pharmaceutical companies and other animal research-related firms which are:
 
(1) involved directly in the use of animals in biomedical research and are
(2) committed to the responsible and humane use of these animals.

• Representing the views of NABR members on the essential role of animals in research to Congress by encouraging supportive legislation, providing comments on pending proposals, presenting testimony at Congressional hearings, and serving as an information source for Congressional staff and constituents.
• Supporting members with information and consultation regarding state and local issues affecting their institutions and encouraging members to contact their congressional delegations with information on animal research issues.
• Providing a forum to develop common positions within the research community on legislative and regulatory issues and to discuss subjects of common concern.

NABR supports the responsible use and humane care and treatment of laboratory animals in research, education and product safety assessment. Further, the membership believes that only as many animals as necessary should be used; that any pain or distress animals may experience should be minimized; and that alternatives to the use of live animals should be developed and employed, wherever feasible.