AAHA accreditation-how important is it?

• 07-13-2008 1:13 AM

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,132 Points 445	AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact Does your vet have this accreditation?  What would the difference be between having it and not?  Anyone know? Thanks.
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• 07-13-2008 10:43 AM

  In reply to willowchow

  BCMixs Joined on 01-10-2008 Virginia Posts 1,761 Points 30

  Re: AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact  Well, my vet has the sticker on the door, but when I discussed the new vaccination protocol with one of the vets there, they weren't following it!  And didn't seem to support it either!  I got a very curt "We do annual vaccinations, you're free to do what you want but you'll be putting your dog at risk, and it's against our medical advice."    I really did like that vet quite a bit, but the interaction we had over the topic of titers and Safeguard heartworm dosing left a very bad taste in my mouth and I've stopped scheduling with her.  I want to bring up the topic with the owner of the practice, who I've been seeing for 15+ years but I'm just not up for another disagreement, especially with him because I love him so.  I've decided to just do my own research and reading and make my own decisions for my dogs.  I think if you have the accreditation, you should follow the protocols they put out at least!!!

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• 07-13-2008 11:22 AM

  In reply to BCMixs

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,132 Points 445	Re: AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact Yeah, I agree.  I read the their website last night and to be honest I thought they had too.
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• 07-13-2008 11:24 AM

  In reply to willowchow

  SirDrakeOfTheCreek Joined on 10-26-2007 Posts 116 Points 115

  Re: AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact My Vet has it and follows the protocols. The biggest thing is that they are "surprise" inspected up to 4 times a year (sometimes even more if there is a complaint logged with AAHA against that hospital that they feel needs to be checked out), which is a VERY big deal to me. During these inspections everything from their refridgerators, equipment, medications, personnel files, and random patient files will be examined and checked to be sure they ARE following protocol, that it is a safe, sanitary environment, and that NONE of the animals are endangered by carelessness. They even go as far as to search for pests and rodent droppings in the basements! Since I have seen what non-AAHA hospitals can (and do) get away with first hand I will never take my boys to one that isn't. Sir Drake of The Creek (Golden) & Judgement Of The Creek (Pyr)

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• 07-13-2008 11:28 AM

  In reply to SirDrakeOfTheCreek

  willowchow Joined on 09-10-2007 Posts 8,132 Points 445	Re: AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact Yeah, when I moved I picked a new vet and I didn't think about it much.  Our previous vet was and now I'm thinking maybe I should take her back there.
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• 07-13-2008 11:32 AM

  In reply to BCMixs

  SirDrakeOfTheCreek Joined on 10-26-2007 Posts 116 Points 115

  Re: AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact BCMixs:  Well, my vet has the sticker on the door, but when I discussed the new vaccination protocol with one of the vets there, they weren't following it!  And didn't seem to support it either!  I got a very curt "We do annual vaccinations, you're free to do what you want but you'll be putting your dog at risk, and it's against our medical advice."    I really did like that vet quite a bit, but the interaction we had over the topic of titers and Safeguard heartworm dosing left a very bad taste in my mouth and I've stopped scheduling with her.  I want to bring up the topic with the owner of the practice, who I've been seeing for 15+ years but I'm just not up for another disagreement, especially with him because I love him so.  I've decided to just do my own research and reading and make my own decisions for my dogs.  I think if you have the accreditation, you should follow the protocols they put out at least!!!  If you don't think they are following guidelines you should call the 800 # on the AAHA site and log a complaint. Have you checked on their hospital list to make sure they are still accredited and have not lost it and have just "forgotten" to take the sticker off of the door? Also if you call after hours most AAHA hospitals talk about being an AAHA hospital and what that means on their machines and/or when you are on hold. Sir Drake of The Creek (Golden) & Judgement Of The Creek (Pyr)

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• 07-13-2008 1:45 PM

  In reply to SirDrakeOfTheCreek

  the_gopher Joined on 08-02-2006 New Hampshire Posts 1,504 Points 60

  Re: AAHA accreditation-how important is it? Reply Contact I would report an accredited vets office for not following protocol!  We checked out some local vets around here but I was not impressed.  The worst was an office that did not have enclosed exam rooms, the floor looked dirty and it was also wood (if a dog peed on the floor, it's going to absorb it!).  This is not to say ALL the local vets offices turned me off, but when we went to the an AAHA accredited hospital, I was impressed with the cleanliness - I coudln't even SMELL any animals it smelled sanitary.  They do keep current with the protocols and the first vet we saw their really really impressed me.  The kind who feels one way about say vaccines, explains in GREAT detail why but also explains in great detail some of his clients may chose a different route.  I liked and appreciated that.  Instead of just saying THIS is how I do things and that's that - he gives the education for both sides of the argument and leaves it up to his clients to make the decision they are most comfortable with.  So needless to say both the SO and I were blown away with the AAHA accredited hospital and will not take Ari anywhere else (baring any emergencies of course, as they are 40ish minutes away from us). ~Sharon

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