Press releases
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March 23, 2020
AAHA’s Response to COVID-19
The American Animal Hospital Association is responding to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by operating virtually, including performing virtual practi... -
March 5, 2020
2020 AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and Cats provide framework to reduce anesthesia complications and keep pets safe
Lakewood, Colorado — Pet owners’ fears about anesthesia are nothing new to the veterinary profession, and with good reason. As the saying goes,... -
February 13, 2020
AAHA to Change Executive Leadership
Lakewood, Colorado—February 13, 2020 —AAHA announced today that current CEO Michael Cavanaugh , DVM, DABVP (C/F) Emeritus, will serve through the e... -
September 14, 2019
New AAHA Board of Directors takes the helm during Connexity 2019
With the successful close of the second Connexity conference, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) welcomed three new officers and two n... -
September 12, 2019
AAHA names 2019 AAHA-Accredited Practices of the Year
Saint Francis Veterinary Center has been named the 2019 AAHA-Accredited Practice of the Year, and Pet Specialists of Monterey has been named the 20... -
September 9, 2019
AAHA releases new publication to help veterinary practices implement preventive care protocols and improve pet health
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is pleased to announce the release of a new publication, Implementing Preventive Care Protocols ,... -
April 30, 2019
AAHA, VetBloom to launch exclusive AAHA member learning platform
In a move that brings a veterinary industry leader in online CE together with the only association to accredit companion-animal hospitals in North... -
February 27, 2019
Highly anticipated 2019 AAHA Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats released
By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some level of periodontal disease. Not always apparent to pet owners, periodontal disease can cause... -
January 10, 2019
Merck Animal Health joins AAHA Healthy Workplace Culture Initiative as Corporate Supporter
As part of a multiyear collaboration, Merck Animal Health will be joining AAHA's Healthy Workplace Culture Initiative as the Corporate Supporter. -
November 19, 2018
AAHA announces support of Veterinary Nurse Initiative
In a future-focused move, AAHA announced it is lending its voice in support of the Veterinary Nurse Initiative.
In the News
Quick facts about AAHA
- Founded by seven leaders of the veterinary profession in 1933, AAHA has been recognized for years as a leader for the veterinary industry and profession.
- AAHA accredits small-animal hospitals throughout both the United States and Canada.
- Unlike human hospitals, accreditation is not required for veterinary hospitals.
- Nearly 60% of pet owners believe that their pet’s veterinary hospital is accredited when it is not.
- Requirements for accreditation often surpass those required by states. State regulations for veterinary hospitals vary widely—some state examiners will never inspect a veterinary practice unless a complaint is filed.
- Veterinary practices that choose to be AAHA accredited are evaluated regularly on approximately 900 standards of care.
- There are more than 3,500 AAHA-accredited hospitals in the United States and Canada.
- AAHA also accredits veterinary practices within animal shelters and humane societies. As of 2015, there were 18 accredited humane societies.
- In addition to accrediting companion-animal hospitals, AAHA also develops veterinary guidelines and position statements, publishes educational resources, and offers world-class continuing education for veterinary professionals.
- AAHA is committed to helping lost pets get back to their owners. The AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup tool helps pet owners and shelters determine which microchip company a chip is registered with.
- Pet owners can find an accredited veterinary practice by looking for the red AAHA logo, and by searching AAHA’s hospital search tool online.