Finding a Great Veterinarian is an AAHA Moment

Look for the AAHA logo.

How did you find your veterinarian? There is a variety of ways to find your pet’s doctor including word-of-mouth, proximity to your home, or letting your fingers do the walking through the yellow pages Google. I can honestly say that I have used each of these methods. I usually ended up changing after the first visit or two. The old saying, “When you know better, you do better” is certainly true. I learned better in Las Vegas at the BlogPaws 2014 conference. That is when I was introduced to the American Animal Hospital Association. It was definitely my “AAHA Moment.” I was thrilled when I was invited to a breakfast they hosted at this year’s conference in Nashville. Besides a terrific buffet, we were treated to some very interesting AAHA facts.

  Leaders in the veterinary profession established the American Animal Hospital Association in 1933. It is the only exclusive companion animal association for veterinarians. They are well-known for accrediting companion animal practices. Becoming an accredited practice is not easy. When you see the AAHA accredited sign at your vet’s office, you know they’ve been through a rigorous evaluation. An office is evaluated on 900 standards that begin from the moment you open the front door. Accredited team members also have access to publications and educational programs. There are nearly 3,500 AAHA accredited practice teams or 12-15% of all veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada. I had wrongly assumed most veterinary offices were accredited.

Our vet has free treats AND tennis balls!

We are an AAHA Family

  We have been taking Bentley to our AAHA veterinarian hospital for over a year. The difference is incredible and you really do notice it when you walk in the door. I am always greeted by name and more importantly, Bentley is greeted by name and some love. When my son and his wife bought Paisley, I recommended our University Animal Hospital to them. They say it is one of Paisley’s favorite places to visit. I can see why, they are super nice and even have free tennis balls! My daughter and her husband (Pierre’s paw-rents) have adopted a new puppy. They live in Washington, so I advised her to check for an accredited vet for little Clementine. She was so excited to find one close to her home. They loved their new vet too. When Clementine got a nasty stomach bug, the vet called several times over the weekend to check on her! You just don’t find that kind of commitment from every vet. I’m glad to know that when Pierre moves home, he will have a great vet and an awesome little sister!

  It not just my family that is convinced the difference an AAHA clinic makes. Statistics show that 81% of pet parents would choose an accredited vet, 51% would drive further and 44% would pay more. That speaks volumes to me. We drive past four other veterinary offices that I can think of on the way to UVH.

Are you looking for a holistic vet? They can also be accredited. Ask your vet if they are accredited and if not, ask them why. If you are looking for a new vet, do yourself a favor and seek out a member of AAHA. They have an accredited hospital locator as well as many helpful tips for pet parents.You’ll be glad that you did.

Photo courtesy of Univeristy Animal Hospital

Just One More Thing

Several months ago I received a phone call from our veterinarian. Dr. Catherine Foret wanted to know if Bentley and I would be interested in doing a professional photo shoot for their new website. Of course, we did and it was so much fun! They took some of Bentley and me in various poses along the Red River. There was even a make-up artist! The new website isn’t ready yet, but I wanted to share one photo of Bentley with his favorite vet. Thanks, Dr. Foret!
*Follow AAHA on Facebook and Twitter.

I am pleased to be co-hosting another Thoughtless Thursday Blog Hop with my friends Ruckus the Eskie and Love is being owned by a Husky.  You are welcome to join us and remember, don't think...just link!