Morehead City, NC
AAHA Accreditation
PetDocks Veterinary Hospital is proud to be accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
AAHA Accreditation
What Accreditation Means for Pet Owners
Choosing an AAHA-accredited veterinary practice for your pet’s medical care assures you that the practice you have selected has the facilities, equipment, staff, and medical protocols that AAHA believes are important for delivering high-quality care. Further, voluntary commitment to the AAHA Standards and the Accreditation Program demonstrates that the practice has chosen to have itself measured by an outside organization against the most rigorous published Standards in the industry.
AAHA reminds pet owners that they can help pets live healthier and longer lives by taking them to the veterinarian for annual physical exams, vaccinations, and dental care. They can also provide pets fresh water, a balanced diet, and exercise.
PetDocks Veterinary Hospital is proud to be accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), an international organization of more than 17,000 veterinary healthcare providers committed to excellence in small animal care. To become an AAHA hospital member, PetDocks Veterinary Hospital must meet AAHA’s standards for hospital services and facilities in 12 specific areas. A trained AAHA practice consultant visits the hospital to thoroughly evaluate the facility and ensure it complies with these standards. The following areas are covered in the AAHA standards:
- Orderly and adequate medical records: These are critical for the pet’s welfare and continuity of care. Records are reviewed on-site. There must be an individual record for each pet patient.
- Complete diagnostic facilities: This includes the examination room, radiology services, clinical pathology services, and the equipment necessary to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. The facility must be fully equipped to make 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 concerning treatment.
- Proper anesthetic procedures: The hospital must conduct a pre-anesthetic examination before surgery and provide a safe, painless, state-of-the-art anesthesia during surgery. 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.
- Nursing care: This is a vital part of an efficient animal hospital. Skilled veterinary technicians contribute greatly to the professional care pets receive from diagnosis through recuperation.
- Properly maintained environment: Safe and sanitary conditions must be maintained throughout the hospital, 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.
Only the best hospitals receive AAHA Accreditation.
For excellent information on pet care and veterinary services visit the American Animal Hospital Association website.