The silver accreditation plaque that hangs in your veterinary practice represents the gold-standard of veterinary care. It shows that your veterinary practice passed a test that includes 900 standards that were developed by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to ensure the highest quality of veterinary care.

    AAHA created the standards – the industry’s only benchmark for excellence – in 1933 to elevate the level of care provided to companion animals. Today there are 20,133 small animal veterinary clinics in the United States, and accreditation is one way to distinguish between the good practices – and the best.

    More than one hundred practices in North America apply for accreditation each year and the process, which takes about eight hours, entails a thorough review of medical procedures and facilities. It is a challenging evaluation that some clinics fail.

    Your veterinary clinic is one of 2,800 in North America that passed the test.

    AAHA reevaluates practices every three years to ensure that its high standards, which include client care, continue to be met. All team members are evaluated in the process, from the doctors and owners to the technicians, receptionists and kennel workers. Every team member represents an important part of the clinic’s success.

    From a pet owner’s perspective, the AAHA accreditation symbol shows that your veterinary team is one of the best in the country, which translates into better medical care, and longer lives for the pets you love.

    A recognized symbol of excellence, AAHA accreditation represents a special achievement. It shows that your veterinary professionals continue to pursue excellence and surpass industry expectations.