AAHA Accreditation
St. Mary’s Veterinary Hospital is one of only 18% of North American Veterinary Hospitals to be certified by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). We are proud to be associated with the “best of the best” in achieving this distinction.

AAHA Background
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an organization serving veterinarians and members of their staffs, who are engaged in the delivery of veterinary medical care to pets. In addition to providing educational programs and publications and various services to practices, the Association publishes Standards for veterinary practices. Those practices that choose to undergo periodic on-site evaluation by AAHA staff may become Accredited by the Association. Membership in AAHA and participation in the Accreditation Program is voluntary.

The Standards and Accreditation Program
The Standards developed and published by AAHA are widely accepted as representing those components of veterinary practice that represent high quality care. The Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain consistent with evolving knowledge and technology.

The AAHA Standards of Accreditation address the following areas:
	Dentistry Emergency services Pain management Patient care Surgery and anesthesia Contagious disease protocols Radiology services
Laboratory services Pharmacy Client service Staff continuing education and training Human resources and leadership Patient and staff safety Pet medical records Examination facilities and equipment Housekeeping and maintenance

All AAHA-accredited practices voluntarily meet or exceed the association's standards for facilities, equipment and quality procedures. Those practices that wish to be accredited complete a lengthy application process, which culminates with an on-site visit by a veterinary professional employed by AAHA. Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the policies and Standards requirements established by the Association are awarded AAHA-Accredited Practice status. In order to maintain accreditation, the practice must undergo periodic review and additional on-site evaluations every three years.

What Accreditation Means for Pet Owners
Choosing an AAHA accredited veterinary practice for your pet's medical care assures you that the practice you have selected has the facilities, equipment, staff, and medical protocols that AAHA believes are important for the delivery of high quality care. Further, voluntary commitment to the AAHA Standards and the Accreditation Program demonstrates that the practice has chosen to have itself measured by an outside organization against the most rigorous published Standards in the industry.

Learn More about AAHA To learn more about the American Animal Hospital Association, visit their website at AAHA American Animal Hospital Association. For pet care tips, visit their pet owner website, healthypet.com.

"Healthy Practices, Healthier Pets." is our goal.
Through high-quality education, programs and services, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) helps veterinary practices provide the best in companion animal care. They are the only organization that accredits veterinary practices adhering to the highest standards of veterinary care.

“WE BELIEVE IN ENHANCING THE QUALITY OF LIFE
FOR PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS.”