In 2009 East Shore Veterinary Hospital achieved the highest level of veterinary excellence following a comprehensive evaluation and review by American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). In 2016, seven years later and four more evaluations, East Shore continues to excel and score over 90% during the accreditation process.Unlike human hospitals, animal hospitals are not required to be accredited. But what does this mean? Accredited? Isn't a spay procedure, just like every other spay procedure? Isn't the diagnosis and treatment of disease the same?In order to successfully diagnose, treat, and maintain your pet's health there are a lot factors that have to come together. These can include proper diagnostic equipment, correct choice of testing, proper sample handling, continual staff education, and accurate medical records just to name a few. AAHA-accredited hospitals are the only veterinary hospitals that have voluntarily chosen to be evaluated on over 900 quality standards that go above and beyond state regulations. This comprehensive evaluation reviews patient care, pain management, staff training, diagnostic services, medical records, facility maintenance, and much more. These hospitals are recognized among the finest in the industry, and are consistently at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine. AAHA standards are continuously updated and reviewed to keep accredited practices on the cutting edge of veterinary excellence. Most importantly, after a hospital achieves accreditation, it does not end there. Inspections and re-evaluations are performed on a periodic basis.Pet owners are looking for AAHA-accredited hospitals because they value their pet's health and trust the consistent, expert care provided by the entire health care team. At AAHA-accredited practices, pet owners can expect to receive the highest quality care from well-trained, professional veterinary teams.Only the top 15% small animal hospitals in the United States have achieved accreditation by the Association. If you bring your pet to an AAHA-accredited hospital, be proud, you have made an excellent choice. If you bring your pet to East Shore, I would like to personally thank you for supporting our mission.