The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international association of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers who treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well-known among veterinarians and pet owners for its high standards in veterinary practices and quality care.

AAHA is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. Approximately 3,000 AAHA-accredited hospitals voluntarily choose to be evaluated on 900 standards in the following areas: quality of care, diagnostic and pharmacy, management, medical records, and facility. Consultants regularly visit these hospitals to ensure compliance with AAHA’s Standards of Accreditation for services and facilities.

Accreditation is sought voluntarily by only 15 percent of North American veterinary practices. Unlike human medical facilities, there are no consistent national or state organizations, inspectors, or requirements for the delivery of veterinary care to our animal patients beyond the state-level Veterinary Practice Acts, licensing of doctors and credentialed veterinary nurses, and some requirements by the Drug Enforcement Agency and Food & Drug Administration with regards to medications and pharmacy. Seeking accreditation by AAHA ensures that a veterinary practice is evaluating their practice at all levels to be at a higher standard and consistently improving.

AAHA-accredited practices are at the heart of better care for pets and their people. They hold themselves to a higher standard (up to 900 higher standards, in fact). Pets are their passion, and keeping them healthy is their number-one priority. They strive to deliver excellent care for pets—because pets deserve nothing less.