Dr. Jim Mathias
Dr. Kenneth Brunson
Dr. Susan Dextradeur
Dr. Jacob Mathias
This is just one facet of our commitment to provide the highest quality animal healthcare available.
AAHA Background
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an organization serving veterinarians and staff members, who are engaged in the delivery of veterinary medical care to companion animals. In addition to providing educational programs and publications and various services to practices, the Association 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.
AAHA Importance to You and Your Pet
Why does this matter to you? Here are a few examples of how AAHA’s standards impact you and your pet.
- The Standards require hospitals to provide diagnostic services (x-ray and laboratory) so that they can quickly and accurately diagnose your pet.
- The Standards focus on the quality of care in the areas of: anesthesia, contagious diseases, dentistry, pain management, patient care, surgery and emergency care.
- Accredited hospitals have an onsite pharmacy (another standards area) so they can begin treatment immediately.
- AAHA Standards require that medical records be thorough and complete to help practitioners better understand your pet’s medical history and how past health issues might be impacting their current medical status.
AAHA Standards & Accreditation
- The 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. They cover physical facilities, equipment, patient and staff safety, staff continuing education and training, medical record keeping, and medical protocols.
- Those practices that wish to be accredited complete an application and preparation process, which culminates with an on-site evaluation by a veterinary professional employed by AAHA.
- Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the Standards established by the Association are awarded AAHA Accredited Practice status. In order to maintain accreditation, the practice must undergo additional on-site evaluations, at intervals of approximately every three years.
