We Did It Again: 52 Years of AAHA Accreditation
Northwest Animal Clinic just renewed its AAHA accreditation, our 52nd year. Learn what accreditation covers and why it matters for your pet's care.
Key takeaways
- We passed our AAHA evaluation again in 2026, marking 52 consecutive years of accreditation.
- Only about 12 to 15 percent of animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are AAHA accredited.
- Accreditation covers everything from medical records and pharmacy to anesthesia and surgery.
Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital
Veterinary Care Team
Accreditation Renewed 2026
2026: AAHA Accreditation Renewed. 52 Years Accredited.
A milestone very few veterinary practices anywhere can claim.
We are proud to share that Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital has once again passed its AAHA accreditation evaluation. 2026 marks our 52nd year as an AAHA-accredited hospital, a milestone very few practices anywhere can claim. Thank you to our entire team, whose work every day made this possible, and to the clients who trust us with their pets.
What Is AAHA Accreditation?
Veterinary hospitals in the U.S. are not required to be accredited. AAHA accreditation is completely voluntary, and only about 12 to 15 percent of animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have earned it. Accredited hospitals are evaluated against hundreds of standards and must be re-evaluated regularly to keep their status.
What the Standards Cover
AAHA recently released updated Standards of Accreditation for general practices. Evaluators look at the whole hospital, not just the exam room: quality of care, medical records, diagnostics, pharmacy and medication safety, anesthesia and surgery, pain management, the facility itself, and how the practice is run.
Why It Matters for Your Pet
Accreditation means we have chosen to hold ourselves to a higher bar and to have that work checked by outside experts. For you, that means consistent medical protocols, careful records, safe medication handling, and a team committed to keeping up as veterinary medicine advances.
Fifty-Two Years and Counting
Since 1974, our goal has stayed the same: state-of-the-art medicine, delivered with compassion. Renewing our accreditation is one way we keep that promise to you and your pets. Have questions about how we care for your pet, or ready to schedule a visit? Call Northwest Animal Clinic at 505-898-1491.
When to call us: If your pet shows signs of illness, call Northwest Animal Clinic at 505-898-1491.
Reviewed by the veterinary team at Northwest Animal Clinic & Hospital on November 2, 2026.
Have a question about your pet's health?
Our doctors see patients by appointment Monday through Friday. Call our pet care team to schedule a visit.
