AAHA Accredited…what does that even mean? The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), is the only veterinary hospital association in America accrediting companion animal hospitals. The accreditation process for veterinary hospitals is voluntary; a veterinary clinic has to want to become AAHA accredited. Contrast this with human hospitals where a similar accreditation is mandatory. Studies have shown that hospitals that utilized standardized protocols and checklists for their patients had a lower incidence of surgical complications and death under anesthesia. Why wouldn’t you want this same standard for animals?
Only 15% of animal hospitals in the United States are AAHA-accredited. AAHA has specific standards, protocols, checklists, and guidelines that help hospitals practice medicine at the highest level. To become an AAHA-accredited hospital, a complete practice audit is performed by the Association every three years. They evaluate everything from the practice’s surgical protocols to its medical record keeping. AAHA accreditation also ensures that hospitals are using the most up-to-date technology and that veterinarians working at accredited hospitals stay up-to-date with the latest developments in veterinary medicine by attending continuing education.
Non-accredited hospitals have no one checking on them and might not be meeting these important guidelines and standards. These are just a few of the reasons that make an AAHA Accredited Hospital the right choice for you and your pet.
So why did the team of Macungie Animal Hospital decide to become AAHA accredited?
- Because we care about your pets!
- Because we care about practicing veterinary medicine at the highest level of quality.
- Because we wanted to give you a tangible way of knowing you can trust us.
- Because we love what we do and aim always to do it well.
- Because we feel that pets are an important part of a family and if accreditation is required for human hospitals then it should be required for us as well.
Taking your pet to an AAHA-accredited hospital gives you peace of mind. Your pet will be provided with the highest level of care and you will be treated with respect, understanding, and compassion.
