Did you know that Minnesota Veterinary Hospital is AAHA Accredited? AAHA stands for the American Animal Hospital Association. This organization was established to champion veterinary excellence and improve the standards for patient care. Minnesota Veterinary Hospital is proud to be part of a small percentage of small animal hospitals that have received AAHA accreditation.
This month we are celebrating AAHA Accredited Hospital Day on July 22nd by sharing what our accreditation status means for your pet.
AAHA Accreditation Process
While human hospitals undergo a mandatory accreditation process, this is not the case in veterinary medicine. AAHA accreditation is voluntary, and less than 15% of small animal hospitals throughout North America have received accreditation.
During the accreditation process, each hospital must undergo a rigorous evaluation that looks at all aspects of patient care. Over 900 hospital standards are evaluated during the process, 50 of which are mandatory for all accredited facilities. Some of the areas of interest include:
- Anesthesia
- Surgery
- Dentistry
- Emergency and Critical Care
- Diagnostic Testing
- Medical Records
- Pain Management
- Pharmacy
The evaluation process also looks at other aspects of the hospital, such as safety protocols,
cleanliness, and medical equipment. AAHA standards and guidelines are regularly updated to reflect the latest and best practices in the veterinary industry. Once accredited, hospitals must undergo reevaluations every three years to ensure they uphold the highest standards of care.
What Our Accreditation Means for Your Pet
Now that you know what AAHA accreditation is, what does it mean for your pet? When you choose an AAHA-accredited hospital, you can rest assured that your pet is in great hands and receiving the best possible care.
Our team at Minnesota Veterinary Hospital is thoroughly prepared to take care of your pet’s unique medical needs and is committed to upholding the highest standards of care. Here are a few things you can expect when you bring your pet to us.
- Thorough Record Keeping
Your pet’s medical history is important and can provide essential information about ongoing treatment and their specific needs. Our thorough record-keeping ensures your pet’s care is well documented and easily accessible by our medical team.
- Diagnostic Equipment
AAHA standards require all accredited hospitals to offer advanced diagnostics and laboratory services. Our diagnostic equipment helps us obtain quick and reliable information about your pet’s health. The sooner we get these results, the sooner we can make treatment recommendations and get your pet back on track.
- Continuing Education
As technology and medicine continue to evolve, it’s important that your pet’s veterinary team is up to date on the latest developments in patient care. Staff at AAHA accredited hospitals must undergo many hours of continuing education each year to stay up to date on the latest advancements in the veterinary industry. This helps us continue to learn and improve the level of care we provide.
Final Thoughts
At Minnesota Veterinary Hospital, we know that your pet deserves excellent medical care, and choosing the right veterinary hospital is an important decision. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of patient care. We hope this information has given you a better understanding of what AAHA accreditation means and the many benefits it has to offer your pet.
If you have additional questions about our AAHA status or would like to schedule an appointment, please give us a call at 651-484-3331. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating AAHA Accreditation Month and the many ways AAHA is continuing to improve pet health.