American Animal Hospital Association
PO Box 150899, Denver, CO 80215-0899
|Purpose |
Members |
Hospital Evaluations |
Referrals/Resources |
Publications |
Background
The American Animal Hospital Association(AAHA) is an international association of more than 12,000 veterinarians who treat
companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its standards for hospitals
and pet health care. Over 2,600 veterinary hospitals voluntarily participate in the AAHA hospital evaluation program. Trained
consultants regularly visit these hospitals to ensure compliance with AAHA's standards for services and facilities. Individual
veterinarians can also be members of AAHA. These affiliate members subscribe to the same general principles as hospital members
but do not participate in AAHA hospital evaluations.
Purpose
To assist veterinarians in providing quality medical care and meeting AAHA standards and to promote responsible pet ownership.
Membership
Hospital Members:
More than 2,600 veterinary hospitals with a total of 6,300 veterinarians voluntarily participate in the AAHA hospital evaluation
program and are visited regularly to ensure compliance with AAHA standards.
Affiliate Members:
Approximately 5,200 individual veterinarians, 3,500 veterinary students, and 600 veterinary hospital managers and administrators
also are members of AAHA. Affiliate members subscribe to the same general principles as hospital members but do not participate
in AAHA evaluations.
Hospital Evaluations
What's Distinctive About an AAHA Member?
AAHA hospital members have a unique commitment to the highest standards of veterinary care and concern
for preventive
medicine. AAHA standards are recognized around the world as the benchmark for quality care in veterinary
medicine. To become
an AAHA hospital member, a veterinary hospital must meet AAHA's standards for hospital services and
facilities.
A trained AAHA practice consultant visits the hospital to thoroughly evaluate the facility in order to
ensure compliance with
these standards.
The following areas are some of the AAHA standards:
- Medical Records--Medical records are reviewed on-site and submitted to an outside consultant.
- Complete Diagnostic Facilities--This includes the examination room, radiology and clinical pathology services, and the equiptment
necessary to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. The facility must be fully equipped to make a prompt,
accurate diagnosis and treatment. An on-site library of basic textbooks and current periodicals also is required.
- Complete Pharmacy Facilities-- The most frequently used medicines must be available at all times, controlled substances must be
monitored, and clients must be adequately informed about their pet's treatment.
- Modern Surgical Facilities-- The hospital must have an aseptic, single-use room for surgery. Proper lighting, sterile equipment
and procedures, and easy access to drugs and equipment are required.
- Proper Anesthetic Procedures-- The hospital must conduct a preanesthetic examination before surgery and provide a safe, painless,
state-of-the-art anesthesia during surgery.
- Nursing Care-- Skilled veterinary technicians contribute greatly to the professional care pets recieve from diagnosis through
recuperation.
- Properly Maintained Environment-- Safe and sanitary conditions must be maintained, from the reception room to the kennel,
including the outside premises.
- Emergency Service-- Each AAHA hospital must provide, or have access to, 24-hour emergency service for its clients.
- Dental Service-- Oral Hygiene is as important to a pet's health as it is to a person's health.
AAHA hospitals routinely perform teeth cleaning, extractions, and gum work.
Referrals/Resources
Pet owners can call the AAHA for referrals to AAHA veterinarians in nearly every area of the United States and Canada. Printed
materials on pet health tips and common diseases are also available.
To obtain pet care information or a referral to an AAHA veterinarian near you, contact AAHA at:
PO Box 150899
Denver, CO 80215-0899
(800)252-2242
AAHAPR@aol.com
Paw Prints
Paw-Prints is published by the American Animal Hospital Association and the Delta Society as a
newsletter for veterinarians to distribute to their clients.
Winter 1995-1996 Issue
This issue features real-life stories from the Delta Society's Pet
Partners program. The Delta Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
enhancing the human-animal bond. The story of Laurie and Mandy brings to light
the true value of the Pet Partners program and the benefits for all involved.
Previous Issues
Please contact AAHA at AAHAPR@aol.com with any suggestions on topics
for future editions of Paw-Prints. Story ideas are always welcome.
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