At Mercy Animal Hospital our goal is to provide your pet with the highest quality and consistent veterinary care possible. In order to work towards this goal we aspire to become accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). AAHA is an international organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. AAHA was established in 1933 and is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its standards for hospitals and pet health care.

AAHA-accredited hospitals voluntarily choose to be evaluated on 900 standards in the following areas: quality of care; diagnostic & pharmacy; management; medical records; and facility.

Why does this matter to you? Here are a few examples of how AAHA's standards impact you and your pet.

• The standards require hospitals to provide diagnostic services (x-ray and laboratory) so that they can quickly and accurately diagnose your pet.

• The standards focus on the quality of care in the areas of: anesthesia, contagious diseases, dentistry, pain management, patient care, surgery and emergency care.

• Accredited hospitals have an on site pharmacy (another standards area) so they can begin treatment immediately.

• AAHA standards also require that medical records be thorough and complete which helps them to better understand your pet's medical history and how past health issues might be impacting their current medical status.

The Standards are periodically reviewed and updated to ensure that they remain consistent with evolving knowledge and technology. Accreditation helps veterinary hospitals stay on the leading edge of veterinary medicine and provide the quality and range of services you and your pet deserve.

AAHA reminds pet owners that they can help pets live healthier and longer lives by taking their pets to the veterinarian for annual physical exams, vaccinations, and dental care as well as providing pets with fresh water, a balanced diet, and exercise.