Your pet’s health and well-being are a priority. Finding the best veterinary care for your furry companion is important. When choosing a veterinary clinic, a notable distinction sets some apart from the rest—American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accreditation. But what exactly makes AAHA-accredited animal hospitals stand out from other clinics? Our AAHA-accredited Memorial Animal Hospital team covers everything you need to know about AAHA accreditation and the advantages of choosing an AAHA-accredited clinic for your pet’s care.

What AAHA accreditation means for veterinary hospitals

AAHA is veterinary medicine’s preeminent association, responsible for setting veterinary care standards for practitioners nationwide. Founded in 1933, AAHA is the only organization that offers accreditation to companion-animal veterinary practices. Obtaining accreditation is voluntary, and the process is rigorous, with more than 900 veterinary care standards being assessed and rated. These high standards ensure that clinics receiving accreditation are paragons of excellent veterinary medicine.

Veterinary excellence standards

A veterinary clinic follows several guidelines in how the facility performs and meets pet owners’ and their pets’ needs. New scientific findings and technical advancements are incorporated in the AAHA standards reviews, which is why those accredited must keep up with these changes by ensuring their team receives ongoing education. AAHA accreditation requires veterinarians to acquire 50 hours of continuing education annually, which means our Memorial Animal Hospital team stays current on all veterinary care advances for addressing disease pathology, incorporating the latest technologies, and offering the best treatment protocols available. During a clinic’s review, the AAHA assesses numerous veterinary care aspects, including the following:

  • Patient care
  • Pain management
  • Surgical abilities and anesthesia 
  • Diagnostic equipment
  • Patient handling
  • Diagnostics
  • Laboratory 
  • Pharmacy
  • Medical records
  • Dental care
  • Emergency and critical care
  • Contagious disease control
  • Facilities and housekeeping
  • Leadership
  • Client relations
  • Continuing education

Benefits of choosing an AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic

When you choose an AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic, your pet receives high-quality care because the organization assesses numerous standards. An AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic offers several benefits, including:

  • Abiding by rigorous standards — AAHA accreditation signifies that a veterinary hospital meets stringent standards of excellence in pet care. These standards cover everything from medical equipment and facilities to patient care and client service. AAHA-accredited hospitals undergo thorough evaluations and must adhere to more than 900 standards to maintain accreditation and provide your pet with top-quality veterinary care.
  • Committing to continuous improvement — One of AAHA accreditation’s hallmarks is the commitment to ongoing improvement in all veterinary medicine aspects. Accredited hospitals continually strive to enhance their practices, protocols, and services. They regularly undergo rigorous evaluations and assessments to ensure they’re meeting AAHA’s care standards. This dedication to excellence sets them apart as leaders in the veterinary profession, ensuring your pet will receive the highest level of care.
  • Offering a team of highly qualified professionals — AAHA-accredited hospitals teams have highly skilled and qualified professionals, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and administrative team members. These dedicated professionals undergo rigorous training and education to provide the best possible care for your pet. They stay updated on veterinary medicine’s latest advancements and employ evidence-based practices to ensure optimal outcomes for your pet.
  • Providing comprehensive services — From preventive care and wellness exams to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, AAHA-accredited hospitals offer comprehensive services to meet each pet’s diverse needs. Whether your pet needs routine vaccinations, professional dental cleanings, or specialized treatments, you can trust that your furry friend will receive top-notch care at an AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic.
  • Focusing on client education — In addition to providing exceptional veterinary care for pets, AAHA-accredited hospitals prioritize client education. They take the time to thoroughly explain diagnoses, treatment options, and preventive care measures to empower you to make informed decisions about your pet’s health. This commitment to education fosters a strong bond between veterinarians, pet owners, and their furry companions.
  • Emphasizing pet safety and comfort — AAHA-accredited hospitals maintain strict protocols to ensure pets’ safety and comfort. From maintaining a clean and sanitized environment to implementing measures to reduce pets’ stress and anxiety, these hospitals go above and beyond to create a positive experience for you and your four-legged friend.

Choosing an AAHA-accredited animal hospital provides peace of mind, knowing that your cat or dog is receiving optimal care. From rigorous standards and continuous improvement to a qualified professional team that provides comprehensive services, an AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic prioritizes care excellence. To learn more about our AAHA-accredited services and to schedule your furry pal’s next appointment, call our Memorial Animal Hospital team.