Setting a Higher Standard as an AAHA Certified Vet

It’s not enough to tell you and your pet we care—we show we care every day by being an AAHA-accredited animal hospital! We decided to pursue accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association in order to deliver a higher standard of medicine to our patients and clients. This shared goal has made our team stronger, happier, and more committed than ever to the lifelong care of your four-legged family member.

AHAA veterinarian and animal hospital in Shreveport, LA

What is the American Animal Hospital Association?

Founded in 1933 by veterinarians, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) was formed out of a growing desire to improve the quality of veterinary medicine throughout North America. AAHA establishes guidelines for practices to follow so they can provide excellent care to their patients and clients every single day. These guidelines are continually refined and improved.

AHAA veterinarian and animal hospital in Shreveport, LA
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How Does a Practice Become Accredited?

Accreditation is completely voluntary. Animal hospitals are not required to be accredited by AAHA. Approximately 12-15% of all hospitals in the US and Canada are accredited, and UVH is proud to be a part of that small percentage.

To obtain and maintain our accreditation, our hospital needs to meet or exceed over 900 mandatory and points-based standards of veterinary care. These standards cover a wide range of best practices to ensure the highest level of safety and comfort for our patients, including:

  • Proper administration of anesthetic agents
  • Pain assessment and management for every patient
  • Ongoing client education
  • Proactive, preventive healthcare
  • Comprehensive dental care
  • Prioritizing patient comfort and quality of life
  • Communicating with clients in an empathetic, nonjudgmental way

Why is Accreditation So Important?

AAHA accreditation is proof of our dedication to the health and wellbeing of pets and people in our community. It gives pet owners peace of mind and certainty about the quality of care their animals are receiving each time they visit. It also means that pets can have a better experience at the vet and potentially live a longer and happier life with their families.

The proof is in the numbers. A study found that roughly 85% of pet owners would choose an AAHA-accredited hospital over a nonaccredited hospital. 63% of pet owners would also drive farther to seek treatment for their pets at an AAHA accredited animal hospital.

Learn more about AAHA by visiting aaha.org, or give us a call at (318) 797-5522.