AAHA-Accredited: A Standard of Excellence
Did you know accreditation for animal hospitals is completely voluntary? Nearly 60% of pet owners assume their veterinary hospital is accredited when it isn’t. In reality, only 12-15% of animal hospitals nationwide have completed the rigorous evaluation process required by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and San Juan Veterinary Hospital is proud to be one of them.
Book OnlineIn the United States, every human hospital that serves Medicare patients must be accredited and undergoes regular reviews to ensure it meets strict quality standards. Veterinary hospitals, however, are under no such legal requirement. AAHA accreditation is entirely voluntary, and the evaluation process is thorough and time-consuming, which is why many veterinary hospitals choose not to pursue it.
Earning AAHA accreditation means a hospital has been evaluated against nearly 900 standards covering every aspect of veterinary excellence, from patient care and pain management to anesthesia, surgery, and facility safety. To keep their accreditation, hospitals must pass a full re-evaluation by veterinary experts every three years. State regulations vary widely, too; some states only inspect a hospital after a complaint has been filed. AAHA accreditation, by contrast, sets one consistent standard for veterinary excellence across the U.S. and Canada, regardless of state or provincial oversight.
As an AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital, we hold ourselves to that higher standard every day. Pets are our passion, and keeping them healthy is our top priority. From routine wellness examinations to surgical care and vaccinations, our accreditation reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering excellent, evidence-based care because your pet deserves nothing less.
Learn more about what AAHA accreditation means for you and your pet by visiting aaha.org/petowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does AAHA accreditation mean for my pet?
AAHA accreditation means our hospital has been independently evaluated against nearly 900 standards covering everything from patient care and pain management to anesthesia, surgery, and facility cleanliness, giving you added confidence in the quality of care your pet receives.
Is AAHA accreditation required for veterinary hospitals?
No. AAHA accreditation is completely voluntary, and only 12-15% of animal hospitals nationwide choose to complete the evaluation process. San Juan Veterinary Hospital has earned this distinction as a reflection of our commitment to excellence.
How often does a hospital need to be re-evaluated to keep its AAHA accreditation?
AAHA-accredited hospitals undergo a full re-evaluation by veterinary experts every three years to confirm they continue to meet the association’s high standards.
How is AAHA accreditation different from state regulation?
State inspections vary widely, and some states only inspect a hospital after a complaint is filed. AAHA accreditation applies one consistent, rigorous standard across the U.S. and Canada, regardless of state oversight.
Does AAHA accreditation cover surgery and anesthesia safety?
Yes. The nearly 900 AAHA standards include specific requirements for surgical protocols, anesthesia monitoring, pain management, and emergency preparedness.
How can I verify a veterinary hospital’s AAHA accreditation status?
You can search for accredited hospitals directly on the AAHA website at aaha.org, or simply ask your veterinary hospital to confirm their current accreditation status.
Why did San Juan Veterinary Hospital choose to pursue AAHA accreditation?
We pursued AAHA accreditation because we wanted an independent, third-party confirmation that our care meets the highest standard in veterinary medicine, giving pet owners in Farmington added peace of mind.