What does AAHA-Accreditation mean for your pet?
Accreditation & what it means to you (our clients) and your pets
Most pet owners don’t realize that accreditation is not a requirement in veterinary medicine like it is in human medicine. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada. Accreditation by AAHA means we’ve passed a voluntary evaluation of more than 900 standards and that we are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care for your pet.
Since 1975, Wexford Veterinary Hospital has been proudly accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The AAHA is an international association of more than 42,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its standards for hospitals and pet health care. Approximately 15% of veterinary hospitals in North America voluntarily participate in the AAHA hospital evaluation program and are accredited. Consultants regularly visit these hospitals to ensure compliance with AAHA’s standards for services and facilities.
AAHA is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the United States and Canada. AAHA-accredited hospitals are evaluated on 900 standards in the following areas:
- Quality of care
- Diagnostic and pharmacy
- Management
- Medical records
- Facility
Why is it important to you, the pet owner, that Wexford Hospital has been an AAHA-accredited practice since 1975? Being an AAHA-accredited practice means the following:
- 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 also require that medical records be thorough and complete, which helps our veterinarians better understand your pet’s medical history and how past health issues might be impacting their current medical status.
The standards developed and published by AAHA are widely accepted as 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.
Accreditation helps veterinary hospitals stay on the leading edge of veterinary medicine and provide the quality and range of services you and your pet deserve. AAHA reminds pet owners that they can help pets live healthier and longer lives by taking their pets to the veterinarian for annual physical exams, vaccinations, and dental care, as well as providing pets with fresh water, a balanced diet, and exercise.
Daniel S. Aja, DVM, past president of the AAHA, explains the recognition by offering these accolades: “Wexford Hospital belongs to a select group of practices that are committed to meeting the highest standards in veterinary medicine. AAHA hospitals pass a stringent evaluation of over 900 standards covering patient care, client service, and medical protocols. By attaining accreditation, Wexford Vet Hospital is demonstrating its dedication to offering the best care to its patients and clients.”
Wexford Vet Hospital is dedicated to providing the best care possible for your pet. For this reason, we are a voluntary member of the AAHA and challenge ourselves to pass their rigorous tests in order to ensure that we are meeting our mission, vision, and values.
You can visit www.healthypet.com for information regarding AAHA and what it means for your pet.
