About AAVS
What We Do
The mission of AAVS is to end the use of animals in science through education, advocacy, and the development of alternative methods. Founded in 1883, the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) is the first non-profit animal advocacy and educational organization in the United States dedicated to ending experimentation on animals in research, testing, and education. We work with individuals, students and parents, educators, grassroots groups, corporate and government decision makers, and members of the scientific community.
Do you want to support the mission of AAVS?
Learn.
AAVS provides you with the latest, most accurate information about the use of animals in science and the development of alternative methods. Learning is the first step in the long journey to ethical science and animal rights. Make sure you’re advocating for animals with all the information you can gather – click here to learn about Animals in Science.
Act.
Use the AAVS Action Center to add your voice to the conversation about the use of animals in science. Active citizenship is essential to positive change – we cannot move forward with out you. Communicate your concerns and desires for an ethical and compassionate future to your representatives and corporate leaders – click here to take action.
Give.
AAVS’s work would not be possible without the support of its members. Become a real friend to the animals with a gift to further the campaign of your choice. Click here to find out how you can make a difference.
Board of Managers
Luke Klein, President
Joseph Ludwig, Vice President
Aaron McIntyre, Treasurer
Denise Cowie, Secretary
Nadia Adawi
Robert Finn
Eileen Smith
Sue Leary, President Emerita
Key Staff
Luke Klein, President
Luke Klein was elected President of the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS) in 2025, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit management, operations, and communications. Luke holds a BA from Temple University and an MBA in Management from Fitchburg State University, and his career has been focused on organizational development, ethical advocacy, and international engagement. Luke has been working for AAVS since 2018, and he also serves as Director of Operations of its affiliate, the Alternatives Research & Development Foundation (ARDF). He is the Executive Editor of the AV Magazine and serves as Chair of the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics (CCIC), which operates the Leaping Bunny Program in the US and Canada. He has served on several boards, including as a current board member of ARDF and of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. In addition to his work in animal advocacy, he is co-founder of Kids of Kadiogne, a nonprofit organization supporting health and education initiatives in rural West Africa. A Philadelphia native, Luke brings a global perspective and a strong commitment to principled leadership, social impact, and the protection of animals.
Crystal Schaeffer, Director of Outreach
Christopher Derer, Director of Development and Membership Services
Nicole Green, Director of Animalearn
Kim Paschen, Director, Leaping Bunny Program
Financial Information and Conduct Policies
2023 Form 9902023 Audited Financial Statement
AAVS Document Retention Policy
AAVS Whistleblower Policy
AAVS State Disclosures
EIN: 23-0341990
Affiliations
AAVS is a Founding Member of the World Federation for Animals, which works to bring animal welfare to the forefront of international policies and agreements, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.