NABR provides the unified voice for the scientific community on legislative and regulatory matters affecting biomedical research using laboratory animals. NABR's membership is comprised of over 300 public and private universities, medical and veterinary schools, teaching hospitals, voluntary health agencies, professional societies, pharmaceutical companies and other animal research-related firms.

NABR supports the responsible use and humane care and treatment of laboratory animals in research, education and product safety testing. 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.