We Are AAHA-Accredited

At Saratoga Veterinary Hospital, an independently owned, family-owned animal hospital, we’ve always been passionate about pets and the bond they share with their people. Our team works to strengthen that connection by delivering a high standard of care, which is why we chose to become AAHA-accredited.

Contact our AAHA Accredited Practice today at (518) 587-3832 with any questions you might have.

delilah
black dog with bandana

What is AAHA?

The American Animal Hospital Association, AAHA, was established in 1933 by a group of veterinarians who all had a vision to elevate and improve veterinary medicine. AAHA is the only organization of its kind to standardize veterinary care through its accreditation process. As of 2019, only about 15% of hospitals in the US and Canada hold AAHA accreditation, meaning most hospitals have varying standards of care.

As an independently owned, family-owned hospital, we chose to pursue AAHA accreditation to uphold a consistent, high level of care for every patient we see.

How Does a Hospital Become Accredited?

In order to become accredited, animal hospitals must meet AAHA’s Standards of Excellence, which cover over 900 elements of a practice, including:

  • Anesthesia protocols
  • Surgical equipment and protocols
  • Dental care
  • Wellness exams
  • Patient handling
  • Client communication
  • Medical record-keeping
  • Emergency care
  • Hospital cleanliness
  • And so much more

Maintaining these standards requires ongoing commitment, attention to detail, and a team that takes pride in their work—values that guide our independently owned, family-owned practice every day.

dr. steeves holding blue the cat

Why Choose an AAHA-Accredited Animal Hospital?

When you choose an AAHA-accredited hospital, you choose better quality care for your pet. Accreditation is done on a voluntary basis; unlike human hospitals, animal hospitals are not required to be accredited. Instead, we made a conscious decision to elevate our care so you can be sure that an AAHA vet is that much more dedicated to your pet’s health and well-being. Furthermore, accredited hospitals are evaluated every 3 years in order to maintain their accreditation, meaning our services are always the best and latest in the industry. Learn more about AAHA on their website.