Choosing A Veterinarian: The Certification To Look For

Like most of us, when it comes to choosing a veterinarian, I choose carefully. Criteria number one is that I visit an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredited practice.

I’ve been around the veterinary world for over 20 years writing and broadcasting about companion animals. I’ve presented at all the major U.S. veterinary conferences on numerous occasions, and have spoken at veterinary conferences and shelter events around the world. I’m also certified as an animal behavior consultant. Still, I’m not a veterinarian. So, at the end of the day, I am just another pet owner, albeit an educated pet owner.

AAHA standards

The truth is that not all veterinary practices are equal. Let’s be real; how can they all be equal?

For my pets, I want to be assured the clinic I visit with our pets is a cut above the rest – that’s AAHA accreditation. Only 15 percent of the nation’s veterinary clinics are AAHA accredited.

I’m a pretty savvy pet parent – but how could I possibly know what anesthetic cocktail is being delivered, the type of continuing education the certified veterinary technicians at a practice receive, how efficiently vaccines are being stored or that appropriate pain management based on AAHA Guidelines is offered behind-the-scenes, as only a few examples.

However, if the practice is AAHA accredited, you know that a gazillion standards (actually over 900) are being met or exceeded.

I’m not suggesting clinics not AAHA certified can’t excel, as many do. However, there’s no way for clients to KNOW for a fact that indeed those clinics do excel without that AAHA accreditation.

How it began

Established back in 1933 by leaders in the veterinary profession, AAHA was created to follow human medicine accreditation for those going above and beyond what is required. However, even all these years later, AAHA is the only available accreditation in veterinary medicine.

To become accredited, companion animal hospitals undergo regular comprehensive evaluations by AAHA veterinary experts who assess all those 900 or so standards. It’s expected that the standards include specific equipment and medical protocols. However, even recording an appropriate greeting on the telephone is included. The accreditation isn’t only for the doctors; it’s for the entire staff.

Of course, veterinary medicine is always changing. To ensure AAHA practices are maintaining relevance, practices require recertification every three years.

If you want the best – and be assured of the very best for your pets, look for the AAHA logo on a practice’s website and on their front door, or visit the AAHA practice locator at www.aaha.org.