What Does AAHA Mean for Your Pet?

The Fairview Animal Hospital has been an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) since 1985. Every three years, we are evaluated by AAHA to ensure we continue to meet their high quality of care. We feel if we excel in these standards, our clients and pet will receive the best care possible. Only 12% of all veterinary practices in Canada and the United States have successfully achieved this accreditation of excellence.

Standards of care include all activities within our hospital. We follow all guidelines recommended by AAHA, including anesthesia, pain management, pharmacy, laboratory, patient care, client services, medical records, diagnostic imaging, surgery and dentistry. The goal, purpose and procedure of the standards are outlined in each protocol.

All surgical pets have blood drawn before surgery to lets us know if your pet is healthy prior to the anesthetic. All pets receive intravenous fluids during surgery to maintain hydration and blood pressure. Hot water circulating blankets help regulate body temperature, and all pets receive pain medication post-surgery. Pets are closely monitored in recovery until the time of discharge with the owner. At this time, clients are given written home-care instructions so that the pet can have a pleasant recovery at home.

We recommend annual wellness exams to ensure your pets health and well being. At these exams, vaccines, deworming, flea and tick control services are performed. Dietary and behavioural recommendations, wellness blood and urine testing, may also be discussed at the time of your appointment. All team members have the same goal — to provide clients and patients with the highest level of care. All pets are treated kindly with the utmost compassion. We feel great pride in the service and care we provide.

If you have any questions about what AAHA means, give us a call at 902-443-9385.

Written by: Arlene VanLeeuwen, RVT