“It all came together late in 2016,” according to owner Tanya Sparling. “But I wanted to get the word out to our clients and the broader community about what those four initials [AAHA] now on our front door and stationery really mean.”
“It all came together late in 2016,” according to owner Tanya Sparling. “But I wanted to get the word out to our clients and the broader community about what those four initials [AAHA] now on our front door and stationery really mean.”
The veterinarian said her hospital was evaluated on hundreds of standards, from medical protocols and equipment, to client services and employee management. It touched everything, according to Dr. Sparling, whether it was assessing something as simple as how blankets are stored or reviewing point-by-point procedures for specific surgeries.
“To begin with, the industry requirements for a hospital designation are different from those for a clinic, but AAHA adds a layer of refinement,” said the owner. “Fortunately we were already doing most of what was demanded.”
The AAHA has existed for more than 80 years. Only a small fraction of veterinary hospitals across the continent, around 15 per cent, have secured AAHA accreditation. The Amherst hospital will need to be recertified regularly.
“It ensures that members are maintaining quality and changing or introducing practices as new research demands,” she said.
The Amherst hospital is also accredited by the Nova Scotia Veterinary Medical Association, in accordance with provincial law.
