AAHA Accreditation

AAHA is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. & Canada. AAHA-accredited hospitals adhere to the highest-quality standards available, which helps ensure the best care for your pet.

Background
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an organization serving veterinarians and members of their staffs who are engaged in the delivery of veterinary medical care to pets. In addition to providing educational programs and publications and various services to practices, AAHA publishes standards for veterinary practices. Those practices that choose to undergo periodic on-site evaluation by AAHA staff may become accredited by the Association. Membership in AAHA and participation in the Accreditation Program is voluntary.

The Standards and Accreditation Program
The over 800 Standards developed and published by AAHA are widely accepted as representing those components of veterinary practice that represent high quality care. The Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain consistent with evolving knowledge and technology. The AAHA Standards of Accreditation address the following areas:

• Dentistry
• Emergency services
• Pain management
• Patient care
• Surgery and anesthesia
• Contagious disease protocols
• Radiology services
• Laboratory services
• Pharmacy
• Client service
• Staff continuing education and training
• Human resources and leadership
• Patient and staff safety
• Pet medical records
• Examination facilities and equipment
• Housekeeping and maintenance

Those practices that wish to be accredited complete a lengthy application process, which culminates with an on-site visit by a veterinary professional employed by AAHA. Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the policies and standards requirements established by the Association are awarded AAHA-Accredited Practice status. In order to maintain accreditation, the practice must undergo periodic review and additional on-site evaluations every three years.

AAHA-accredited practices are truly distinctive in providing the highest quality care for pets. AAHA standards are recognized around the world as the benchmark for quality care in veterinary medicine.

What Accreditation Means for Pet Owners
Choosing an AAHA accredited veterinary practice for your pet's medical care assures you that the practice you have selected has the facilities, equipment staff, and medical protocols that AAHA believes are important for the delivery of high quality care. Further, voluntary commitment to the AAHA Standards and the Accreditation Program demonstrates that the practice has chosen to have itself measured by an outside organization against the most rigorous published standards in the industry.