The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) celebrates member practices by acknowledging them each year on July 22nd. AAHA has designated this day to recognize member practices for going above and beyond and to educate pet owners about what accreditation means for their pets. On this day, AAHA hospitals celebrate their teams—champions of excellent veterinary care. Our Just Cats Clinic team is proud to be part of this elite group, and we are excited to celebrate our team members and our AAHA accreditation.
What is AAHA accreditation?
AAHA is a nonprofit accrediting body that has set the standard for veterinary excellence for nearly 100 years. The association was founded by a group of visionary veterinarians who recognized the need for uniform standards of care in animal hospitals. Their goal was to promote high-quality veterinary care and ensure that animal hospitals adhered to rigorous standards of practice. AAHA’s voluntary accreditation process helps member hospitals simplify the daily journey toward veterinary excellence.
Unlike human hospitals, veterinary hospitals are not required to be accredited. Therefore, AAHA accreditation is a voluntary process that demonstrates a veterinary hospital’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of care. Accredited hospitals undergo regular inspections and evaluations to ensure ongoing compliance with AAHA standards.
AAHA-accredited hospitals adhere to rigorous standards in more than 900 standards in 19 sections, including client care, patient care, anesthesia, pharmacy, dentistry, cleanliness, contagious disease control, diagnostics, leadership, surgery, and safety. Achieving accreditation requires the collaboration, dedication, and skills of all the team members in each hospital, including the veterinarians, technicians, client care representatives, and managers.
The accreditation process takes months to prepare and organize and culminates with an expert practice consultant’s comprehensive on-site evaluation. If the practice has met the more than 900 accreditation standards, the practice can celebrate by joining the 15% of veterinary hospitals that have achieved AAHA accreditation. AAHA reaccredits member practices every three years to ensure that they continue to meet standards.
AAHA also offers numerous continuing education opportunities, including conferences, workshops, webinars, and online courses, ensuring veterinary professionals stay current with the latest medical knowledge and techniques.
AAHA accreditation means that a practice provides high-quality veterinary care and demonstrates a hospital’s commitment to providing the best possible care for pets. AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized in the veterinary profession for their dedication to delivering exceptional veterinary services and prioritizing pets’ well-being.
How does a practice’s AAHA accreditation benefit my cat?
AAHA accreditation benefits pets in several essential ways. First and foremost, this achievement ensures that the veterinary hospital adheres to AAHA standards. This means that pets receive high-quality and comprehensive care that meets the highest of the profession’s standards. Additionally, AAHA-accredited hospitals prioritize pets’ well-being and demonstrate this by providing high-quality care for pets. This dedication to excellence ultimately improves your beloved furry friend’s health outcomes and well-being.
Because AAHA is so well-respected among veterinary professionals, another benefit for your cat is that many skilled team members aspire to work for AAHA-accredited practices. Your cat is likely to be cared for by some of the industry’s top veterinarians, technicians, and client service providers. Additionally, team members working for high-quality practices tend to stay, so many of them work at these hospitals for an extended period, getting to know you and your pet well.
The AAHA is a cornerstone of high-quality veterinary care, setting rigorous standards that ensure the best possible treatment for pets. Through its accreditation program, educational resources, and advocacy efforts, AAHA continues to elevate the standards of veterinary medicine. Our Just Cats Clinic team is proud to celebrate AAHA Hospital Day. Call us if you have questions about our AAHA certification or to set up an appointment.
