AAHA-Accredited Veterinary Care
Rice Village Animal Hospital is proud to be an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, a distinction earned by only a small percentage of animal hospitals in North America.
American Animal Hospital Association sets the standard for high-quality veterinary care. Established in 1933, AAHA is an internationally recognized organization that evaluates veterinary hospitals based on rigorous standards designed to improve patient care, safety, and outcomes.
What Does AAHA Accreditation Mean?
AAHA accreditation means our hospital has been thoroughly evaluated by trained veterinary professionals and meets or exceeds hundreds of standards across all aspects of care.
Unlike many industries, veterinary accreditation is completely voluntary. Hospitals that choose to pursue AAHA accreditation are demonstrating a commitment to going above and beyond basic requirements.
Why AAHA Accreditation Matters for Your Pet
Choosing an AAHA-accredited hospital means your pet receives care that meets some of the highest standards in veterinary medicine.
This includes:
- Advanced patient safety protocols
- High-quality anesthesia and pain management
- Strict surgical and dental care standards
- Accurate and thorough medical record keeping
- Ongoing staff training and continuing education
- Clean, well-maintained, and fully equipped facilities
Our goal is simple: to provide the safest, most effective care possible for your pet at every visit.
How Veterinary Hospitals Become AAHA Accredited
To earn accreditation, a veterinary hospital must complete a detailed application process followed by an on-site evaluation conducted by an AAHA veterinary consultant.
During this evaluation, the hospital is reviewed on hundreds of standards, including:
- Anesthesia and pain management
- Dentistry and surgical procedures
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
- Emergency and urgent care readiness
- Patient care and monitoring
- Pharmacy and medical protocols
- Staff training and safety procedures
Only hospitals that meet these strict requirements are awarded AAHA accreditation.
Ongoing Commitment to Excellence
AAHA accreditation is not a one-time achievement. To maintain accredited status, hospitals must be re-evaluated approximately every three years to ensure they continue to meet evolving standards in veterinary medicine.
This means our team is constantly improving, learning, and investing in better care for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of veterinary hospitals are AAHA accredited?
Only about 12–15% of veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada achieve AAHA accreditation.
Is AAHA accreditation required?
No. Accreditation is voluntary, which makes it a strong indicator of a hospital’s commitment to higher standards of care.
Does AAHA accreditation make a difference in my pet’s care?
Yes. Accredited hospitals follow stricter protocols for safety, diagnostics, and treatment, which can lead to better outcomes and a higher level of care.