Vet Accreditation: Why Does it Matter?

by | Jan 20, 2016 | Animal hospital

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When it comes to selecting the best hospital for you and your loved ones, it is natural to consider a particular facility’s accreditation. Hospital accreditation ensures that a facility upholds a very stringent professional code of conduct and standard of care. In the medical field, you wouldn’t take your loved one to a hospital that wasn’t accredited – so why would you take your pet to a vet that wasn’t fully accredited either? Believe it or not, a veterinary clinic doesn’t have to be accredited to operate; but accreditation is sincerely of the utmost importance. Professional veterinary accreditation signals the prevention of disease, the highest level of emergency service care and safe dental procedures for your pet.

Disease Prevention

When it comes to preventing the spread of disease in animals, vet accreditation does matter. The American Animal Hospital Association is currently the only accrediting board that sets the standard of quality care for veterinary clinics, animal hospitals and private practices in the nation. Clinics that have earned the AAHA accreditation status must uphold to rather strict guidelines when it comes to preventing the spread of disease. Staff members employed at accredited facilities acknowledge and understand safety and prevention guidelines; taking precaution when disease transmission is viable. AAHA accredited facilities also understand how to best care for an animal who might come in with a transmissible disease; caring for the pet in the best way possible, while reducing the risk of transmission to other animals in the facility.

Emergency Care

In regards to emergency services for your pet, accreditation does matter. Vets in Chicago that are accredited through the AAHA, are required to keep emergency supplies well stocked at all times and ready to go in an emergency situation. All emergency items are kept in an easy to identify, portable container that makes it easy for the team to work in one quick and coordinated unit should an emergency arise. Clinics that are not accredited may not be as prepared or have all the materials on hand to properly address critical care situations.

Dental Care

Dental care is one of the most overlooked aspects of complete wellness when it comes to your pet. When it comes to performing safe and thorough preventative care and dental health procedures, professional accreditation is critical.  The AAHA maintains that clinics offer dental care services that are comprehensive in nature; administered by trained dental health professionals. The AAHA also sets the precedence for performing dental care under general anesthesia – ensuring that your pet is cared for in the best way possible at all times.

For more information on vets in Chicago, contact Metropolitan Veterinary Center at website.

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