Press releases
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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. -
November 8, 2018
2018 AAHA Infection Control, Prevention, and Biosecurity Guidelines now available
Hospital-acquired infections are an ongoing battle for healthcare facilities in both human and veterinary medicine. New guidelines created by the... -
October 23, 2018
AAHA introduces Practice Network Accreditation and PetWell Partners earns first designation
PetWell Partners , a Houston-based national veterinary practice network, has become the first organization to earn Practice Network Accreditation... -
October 2, 2018
Link Welborn, DVM, DABVP, CCRT receives Dedicated Service Award at Connexity by AAHA
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Board of Directors awarded the first ever AAHA Dedicated Service Award during the inaugural Connexi... -
September 18, 2018
AAHA announces the AAHA Pet Health Insurance Program, offered by Petplan
Every veterinary team has been there: A patient needs life-saving care, but the owner is unable to pay for it. What’s a veterinary professional to...
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.