Healthy Pets. Happy Parents.

Unlike the human health world, accreditation of animal hospitals is voluntary. AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the United States and Canada. Practices seeking AAHA accreditation are evaluated on nearly 50 mandatory standards and nearly 900 total standards covering all aspects of veterinary care like pain management, client service, surgery, emergency and critical care, and more.

Yes we do! Pet ownership is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to be ready. Our Prepping for Pet Ownership guide supports future pet owners in choosing the right pet for their lifestyle, creating a safe and welcoming home environment, and much more!

Finding an AAHA-accredited hospital for your pet is easy! Use our Hospital Locator tool to see all the AAHA hospitals in your area.

Absolutely! Do you have a question about your pet’s health or behavior? Our team of veterinary experts is here to help. Submit your question here.

Pet owners with a complaint against a veterinary practice should attempt to resolve the matter with the practice directly, with the medical director or practice manager.

AAHA is a voluntary association; it has no regulatory standing and is not an investigative agency. AAHA cannot take disciplinary action against a veterinarian’s license.

AAHA addresses complaints if and only if an AAHA-accredited practice has violated a mandatory standard within the AAHA Standards of Accreditation. AAHA cannot address complaints related to non-accredited practices.

AAHA does not address the following types of complaints:

• Fee disputes. Estimates for treatment and surgeries are based on an expected treatment plan. Due to complexities and variables of medical cases, it is not a guarantee of the final cost.
• Personality conflicts or perceived rude behavior.
• Boarding/grooming facilities.
• Medical course of action and treatment. Diagnostics (e.g., lab work, radiographs, etc.) and treatments vary in complexity and unforeseen factors as well as individual patient response. As they are based on individual circumstances, there is no guarantee of the outcome.
• Anonymous complaints. A practice accused of wrongdoing has the right to know what is being said against them; therefore, complaints may not be submitted anonymously. A copy of the complaint, along with the complainant’s name, will be forwarded to the medical director(s) of the accredited practice.
• Complaints against practices that are not AAHA-accredited

For more information and to file a complaint, click here.