The American Animal Hospital Association is a professional
organization of veterinary hospitals founded in 1933 to promote
excellence in the practice of small animal veterinary
medicine. In order to be accredited with AAHA, a veterinary
hospital must meet a rigorous set of over 900 standards and
pass inspection regularly. Only about 17% of small animal
hospitals in the United States are AAHA accredited. AAHA is a
voluntary organization. By choosing to be accredited, a
veterinary hospital is making a commitment to practice in
compliance with the association's high quality standards of
care. AAHA standards cover all aspects of veterinary
practice, including anesthesia, continuing education, dentistry,
radiology, emergency and urgent care, facilities, housekeeping,
maintenance, human resources, laboratory, medical records, pain
management, patient care, pharmacy, and surgery.
