We are a private institution with a relatively modest volume of IACUC activity that is considering applying for AAALAC accreditation and looking for feedback from institutions that have gone through the process recently.  More background:  we have a relatively new CAF which was designed and constructed in accordance with USDA and AAALAC standards.  We have random USDA inspections.

We are planning to do a thorough review of existing policies and procedures as they specifically relate to AAALAC standards and expect to apply for accreditation in August 2012.

So, our questions for the group are:
Once you applied, how long did it take to have a site visit and committee report?
How long after the committee report did it take to receive formal accreditation from AAALAC?
For those who used a consultant in the planning and application process, can you make a recommendation, and provide an estimate of the cost?

Your responses to the above question and any other feedback will be greatly appreciated.  Please feel free to reply directly to me.

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