Every year on July 22, the American Animal Hospital Association celebrates hospitals that are accredited. Nationwide, less than 15% of animal hospitals are accredited. Garden Ridge Animal Hospital is Lewisville’s only AAHA Accredited animal hospital. I build it in 1990, with the eventual plan to be accredited. In 2005 we were accredited, and have passed every inspection since then. I had the good fortune to work in two AAHA accredited hospital before opening Garden Ridge. My first experience was with Dr Thomes in Irving, at his hospital on 183. It grew to become VCA Metroplex Animal Hospital, a big 24 hour multi-doctor referral hospital. I worked there as an intern in 1982 and later as one of the night doctors in the winter of 1989/90. After graduation in 1982 until 1989 I worked at Hines North Animal Hospital, which was also AAHA accredited. I remember referring to the AAHA charts of standards as we got ready for inspection. They have standards in anesthesia, dentistry, pain management, patient care, surgery, client service, safety, medical records, laboratory, imaging, and housekeeping. I compare it getting ready for a visit from your loving Mother- in -law. You want everything to be ship shape. The other thing I remember was the constant “raising of the bar” with standards. One time something was optional, and later it was mandatory. The goal is constant improvement.
AAHA motto is The Standard of Veterinary Excellence and its tagline is Champions for Excellent Care. That is the goal for Garden Ridge Animal Hospital, too. Our mission is Quality Care for Quality Lives, for pets, owners and staff. AAHA does more than inspections. It sponsors some awesome Continuing Veterinary Educations, for management and medicine. And they publish lots of training tools and books that help manage a small hospital like mine to the same standards as a large hospital. It also helps us stand out and reach new clients. When I have an existing client that is moving, I always suggest they look for the AAHA Logo in their new locale to find consistently excellent hospitals.
We expect to be celebrating Monday, July 23, after our inspection! Until then, stay cool!! Stay inside & drink lots of water.
https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/about_aaha/default.aspx
