Verzijlenberg Veterinary Hospital is an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association.  AAHA was founded in 1935 and is the only association in North America that provides accreditation to companion animal hospitals. To be accredited  by AAHA, our hospital must demonstrate an exceptional level of medical care and client service, and be measured against the most rigorous standards in the veterinary industry. Only 12% of animals hospitals in the United States and Canada are AAHA accredited, and we're one of them!

Did you know that accreditation is required for human hospitals, voluntary for animal hospitals?
We've voluntarily chosen to go through the process of becoming accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association because  we understand that your pet holds a valued place in your heart, and his/her  health is important to us.

Since 2012, we have been evaluated based on AAHA's Standards of Accreditation -  an extensive list of more than 900 standards that directly correlate to the care we are providing your pet - to ensure that we comply with the association's high quality standards of care. These standards cover nearly every aspect of our hospital, including surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, medical records, cleanliness, emergency services, dental and nursing care, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology. Some examples of these standards include:

 

 

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• Complete Diagnostic Facilities - We are required to provide x-ray and laboratory services in order to quickly and accurately diagnose your pet's condition. This represents three of the 12 specific areas, including the examination room, radiology services and clinical pathology services. It also covers the equipment necessary to provide comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. The facility must be fully equipped to make prompt, accurate diagnosis and treatment. An on-site library of basic textbooks and current periodicals also is required.

• Pain management - We look for signs of pain each time we examine your pet, and provide appropriate pain management for the anticipated level and duration of pain.

• Proper Anesthetic Procedures - The hospital must conduct a pre-anesthetic examination before surgery and provide a safe, painless, state-of-the-art anesthesia during surgery.

• Modern Surgical Facilities
  The hospital must have an aseptic, single-use room for surgery. Proper lighting, sterile equipment and procedures, and easy access to drugs and equipment are required.

• Nursing Care
  This is a vital part of an efficient animal hospital. Skilled veterinary technicians contribute greatly to the professional care pets receive from diagnosis through recuperation

• Dental Service
  Oral hygiene is as important to a pet's health as it is to a person's health. AAHA hospitals routinely perform teeth cleaning, extractions, and gum work.

• Onsite pharmacy - after diagnosis, our onsite pharmacy gives us the ability to immediately begin treatment.  Controlled substances must be monitored, and clients must be adequately informed concerning treatment.

• Medical records -  AAHA requires that medical records be thorough and complete, ensuring that we better understand your pet's medical history and how past medical issues might be impacting their current medical status. This is critical for the pet's welfare and continuity of care. Records are reviewed on-site as well as submitted to an outside consultant. There must be an individual record for each pet patient.

• Continuing Education
  Continuing education is the cornerstone of excellence in small animal care, so the hospital must have a comprehensive and updated medical library of textbooks and current periodicals for staff use.

• Emergency Service
  Each AAHA hospital must provide, or have access to, 24-hour emergency service for its clients.

• Properly Maintained Environment
  Safe and sanitary conditions must be maintained throughout the hospital, from the reception room to the kennel, including outside premises.

For more information on AAHA, please visit www.healthypet.com

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