What is distinctive about an AAHA hospital member? 

American and Canadian pet owners who take their animals to an AAHA Member Hospital will find a veterinarian with a unique commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care as well as concern for preventive medicine. To become an AAHA Hospital Member, candidates must complete a self- assessment reviewing the hospital's services and facilities. Then, a trained AAHA practice consultant thoroughly evaluates the facility to be sure it complies with AAHA veterinary standards. 

These standards include: 

ORDERLY AND ADEQUATE MEDICAL RECORDS - These are critical for the pet's welfare and continuity of care. Records are reviewed on-site as well as submitted to an outside consultant. 

COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC FACILITIES - This includes the examination room, the clinical pathology services, and the equipment necessary to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. The facility must be fully equipped to make prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment. 

COMPLETE PHARMACY FACILITIES - The most frequently used medicines must be available at all times, controlled substances must be monitored, and clients must be adequately informed concerning treatment. 

PROPER ANESTHETIC PROCEDURES - The hospital must conduct a pre-anesthetic examination before surgery and provide a safe, painless, state-of-art anesthesia during surgery. 

MODERN SURGICAL FACILITIES - The hospital must have an aseptic, single-use room for surgery. Proper lighting, sterile equipment and procedures, and easy access to drugs and equipment are required. 

NURSING CARE - This is a vital part of an efficient animal hospital. Skilled animal health technicians contribute greatly to the professional care pets receive, from diagnosis through recuperation. 

PROPERLY MAINTAINED ENVIRONMENT -- Safe and sanitary conditions must be maintained throughout the hospital, from the reception room to the kennel, including the outside premises. 

EMERGENCY SERVICE - Each AAHA hospital must provide 24-hour emergency service for its clients. 

DENTAL SERVICE -- Oral hygiene is as important to a pet's health as it to a person's health. AAHA hospitals routinely perform teeth cleanings, extractions and gum work. 

All AAHA Hospital Members voluntarily meet or exceed the Association's standards for facilities, equipment, and quality procedures. They're regularly evaluated by an AAHA consultant to assure continuing compliance. In addition, every AAHA veterinarian is encouraged to keep abreast of major developments in veterinary medicine. The association offers its 10,000 members a wide variety of continuing education opportunities -- self-study courses, seminars, lectures, workshops and annual and regional instructional meetings. AAHA publishes The Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association, one of the most respected scientific journals in the world. AAHA hospital members are truly distinctive in providing the highest quality care for pets.