There are many factors to consider when choosing a vet. Your pet is part of your family so, naturally, you want the very best for them. But how do you know you’re getting the highest quality care possible?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization in the United States to offer animal hospital accreditation. The organization developed and published its AAHA Standards of Accreditation to represent the components of veterinary practice that exemplify top-level care.
Applying for accreditation is voluntary. When a veterinary hospital becomes accredited, they have made a commitment to provide the highest standard of care and have a genuine interest in the well-being of your pet.
Practices that follow AAHA standards are providing the best quality care for every patient, every time.
The AAHA standards are developed and regularly updated by experts in the field to help veterinarians and their teams keep on top of the latest changes in medicine and better manage their practices.
How does a clinic become accredited?
When a clinic becomes an AAHA-accredited member, they have voluntarily agreed to follow stringent quality standards covering all aspects of veterinary medicine. These include:
- Anesthesia
- Dentistry
- Emergency and critical care
- Human resources
- Laboratory
- Medical records
- Pain management
- Patient care
- Pharmacy
- Surgery
These standards, along with more than 900 others (depending on the type of practice and specialty services offered), are inspected and evaluated by an AAHA consultant during the accreditation process. The consultant provides an unbiased assessment, assuring only hospitals meeting the AAHA standards are chosen. Evaluations are repeated every three years.
Why is it important?
Pet owners who choose an AAHA-accredited hospital are assured the location has the staff, equipment, facilities, and use medical procedures AAHA believes are fundamental to delivering the best veterinary care. Below are some top reasons to choose an accredited clinic:
- Only around 15 percent of veterinary practices in the United States and Canada are AAHA accredited. It is considered the gold standard of veterinary care.
- Accredited hospitals have diagnostic services and an on-site pharmacy, so they can quickly and accurately diagnose your pet and begin treatment right away.
- Choosing an AAHA-accredited veterinary clinic ensures your pet is receiving care based on the most up-to-date medical information and methods. Standards are continuously updated as veterinary medicine advances, keeping accredited teams at the leading edge in their field.
- AAHA-accredited hospitals tend to attract top professionals in veterinary care. The standards are rigorous and require support and adherence by every team member, so accredited clinics are some of the best places to work in the veterinary field.
How do I know if my NewDay clinic is accredited?
NewDay Veterinary Care clinics that have received this distinction are proud to have done so and are eager to share their status with you. You’ll likely see AAHA-branded items prominently displayed within such locations. Several of our NewDay clinics are now accredited, and many more are in progress and working toward this achievement.
AAHA-accredited NewDay Locations
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About the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
Established in 1933 by leaders in the veterinary profession, AAHA is the only organization to accredit companion animal veterinary hospitals. Learn more about AAHA.
