Mountain Aire Veterinary Hospital

Mountain Aire Veterinary Hospital has been an Accredited Member of the
American Animal Hospital Association since 1989. In 2004, we proudly
earned recognition as a 3 YEAR member, which is the highest honor a
hospital can receive. What this means is MAVH has exceeded these standards
to such a degree that we are not required to have another inspection until
2007!

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an international association of more than 33,000 veterinary care providers 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. Approximately 3,000 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.

Since 1933, AAHA's leaders and other veterinary experts have developed specific written standards for companion animal practices. These standards have undergone numerous changes, but none so significant as the recent enhancements. The enhanced standards were developed in order to raise the bar of veterinary excellence. The Association wanted to ensure they reflect the developments made over the past 10 years in veterinary medicine in addition to AAHA's team philosophy. This recognizes that practice team members make significant contributions to the delivery of quality care and the overall success of every veterinary practice.

All AAHA-accredited practices voluntarily meet or exceed the association's standards for facilities, equipment and quality procedures.
Those practices that wish to be accredited complete a lengthy application process, which culminates with an on-site visit by a veterinary professional employed by AAHA. Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the policies and Standards requirements established by the Association are awarded AAHA-Accredited Practice status. In order to maintain accreditation, the practice must undergo periodic review and additional on-site evaluations every three years.

AAHA-accredited practices are truly distinctive in providing the highest quality care for pets. AAHA standards are recognized around the world as the benchmark for quality care in veterinary medicine. The Standards of Accreditation are written for veterinary health care staff and AAHA members only.

Anesthesia: Methods for assessing anesthetic needs in patients and appropriateness of equipment.
Client Service: Communicates well with clients during all aspects of their visit.
Contagious Disease: Protocols, processes and facilities to handle contagious diseases and avoid outbreaks.
Continuing Education: Continuing education tools and opportunities for staff members.
Dentistry: Safe dental procedures that protect both the patient and staff members.
Diagnostic Imaging: Adequate equipment to generate quality. diagnostic images and utilizes proper procedures and equipment to protect staff members from radiation.
Emergency/Urgent Care: Equipment handling and process for emergencies.
Examination Facilities: Properly equipped for thorough examinations.
Housekeeping and Maintenance: Cleanliness.
Human Resources: Handling of personnel matters.
Laboratory: Laboratory services for the prompt diagnosis of patients.
Leadership: Leadership's commitment to creating a positive work. environment and providing high-quality care.
Medical Records: Continuity of care through medical record details.
Pain Management: Pain assessment, management and training.
Patient Care: Humane and advantageous care to patients during all aspects of their visit.
Pharmacy: Proper handling, storing and dispensing of medications.
Safety: Safety of environment for patients, clients and team.
Satellite Practice: Satellite facilities comply with applicable AAHA Standards of Accreditation.
Surgery: Patient safety in an aseptic environment with appropriate pre- and post-operative considerations.

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 the delivery of 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.

However, AAHA accreditation is not a guarantee of the appropriate level of patient care or client service. Once AAHA has determined that a practice meets the required Standards and awards its accreditation, it is incumbent upon the professional staff to maintain those Standards between evaluation visits, make the appropriate medical decisions, and to deliver high quality care.

For more information, please visit the American Animal Hospital Association's website (www.aahanet.org) and it's satellite website for pet owners, Healthy Pet (healthypet.com).