Why Your Pet Deserves an AAHA Accredited Vet Hospital
When your pet needs help, it can be overwhelming deciding which veterinary hospital to choose. The closest one might seem the most convenient, but how can you tell if they practice up-to-date medicine? How do you know they’ll give their best care not only on your first visit, but every visit?
That’s why accreditation by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) matters. It helps you know who to turn to when your best friend needs the best care.
What is AAHA Accreditation?
AAHA accreditation is considered the gold standard in veterinary medicine. It is completely voluntary and requires hospitals to meet or exceed an extensive set of guidelines focused on patient safety, quality medicine, and team training. This recognition is earned through a dedication to excellence and maintained with regular assessments and audits.
What is required for AAHA Accreditation?
- Rigorous Standards
Hospitals must meet over 900 standards covering everything from facility cleanliness and equipment maintenance, to team training and medical protocols. - Up-to-Date Medicine
AAHA standards are updated regularly to stay current with the latest advancements in veterinary medicine. - Comprehensive Care
Accreditation assesses critical hospital functions – including safe anesthesia, thorough diagnostics (including X-ray and in-house lab testing), on-site pharmacies, and detailed medical records. - Patient-Centered Approach
Emphasis is placed on pain management, safety protocols, and creating calmer, lower-stress experiences for pets. - Accountability & Continuous Improvement
Accreditation is not a one-time ordeal. Hospitals undergo regular evaluations and must continually demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
What an AAHA Accredited Hospital Means for You & Your Pet
- Peace of Mind
You’ll know your pet is receiving compassionate, expert care from a dedicated, well-trained veterinary team. - Confidence
You can trust that recommendations for your pet’s care are guided by evidence-based best practices—not just minimum requirements. - Thorough Care
Safer anesthesia and surgical protocols, along with quicker and more accurate diagnostics, help keep your pet healthy and safe.
A Promise We’re Proud to Keep
Due to their rigorous standards, only about 15% of veterinary hospitals in North America are AAHA accredited, and Vital Vet Animal Hospital is proud to be among them.
AAHA accreditation is not a one-time achievement—it’s a promise. A promise from every team member here at Vital Vet that every visit, every patient, and every treatment meets the same high standard of care.
Thank you for trusting Vital Vet with your beloved furry, feathered, and scaly family members.
We are honored to care for them as an AAHA accredited hospital and look forward to continuing to provide the exceptional, compassionate care they deserve—today and for years to come.