At Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery Center, excellence in veterinary care isn’t a one-time achievement—it’s a commitment we renew every single day. That’s why I’m proud to share that we have once again been re-accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This is our 16th year of being an Accredited Clinic!
This milestone is more than a plaque on the wall. It represents our dedication to meeting—and exceeding—the highest standards in veterinary medicine. And having a team that works hard together and towards this goal on a continuous basis.
What Is AAHA Accreditation?
Unlike human hospitals, veterinary clinics are not required to be accredited. In fact, only about 12–15% of veterinary practices in the United States and Canada achieve AAHA accreditation. That’s because the process is rigorous, comprehensive, and voluntary.
AAHA evaluates clinics on over 900 standards across areas like:
- Patient care and pain management
- Surgery and anesthesia protocols
- Cleanliness and infection control
- Diagnostic capabilities
- Medical record keeping
- Team training and safety
Every three years, accredited hospitals undergo a detailed review to ensure they continue to meet these evolving standards. We had this re-inspection on March 31, 2026 and passed with flying colors!
Why Accreditation Matters
For pet owners, choosing an AAHA-accredited clinic means choosing a higher level of care and accountability.
Here’s what it means for you and your pet:
- Consistent, High-Quality Care
Accreditation ensures that every aspect of your pet’s experience—from routine exams to complex surgery—is guided by best practices and up-to-date medical standards. - Advanced Safety Protocols
From anesthesia monitoring to sterilization procedures, AAHA standards are designed to minimize risk and maximize patient safety. - Ongoing Improvement
Veterinary medicine is constantly evolving. Accreditation requires us to stay current with new research, technologies, and treatment approaches. - A Team You Can Trust
Our entire staff is trained, evaluated, and committed to providing compassionate, knowledgeable care. Accreditation holds us accountable—not just as individuals, but as a cohesive medical team.
What This Means for Our Community
Serving the Palouse region is a privilege we don’t take lightly. Pets are family, and you deserve a veterinary partner who treats them with the same level of care and attention you would expect in human healthcare.
Re-accreditation is a reflection of our team’s hard work, but also of the trust you place in us every day. It pushes us to continually raise the bar and deliver the kind of care your pets deserve.
A Personal Note
As a veterinarian, there is nothing more important to me than the well-being of my patients and the confidence of their families. Achieving AAHA re-accreditation reaffirms that we are doing things the right way—thoughtfully, thoroughly, and with integrity.
Thank you for allowing us to care for your pets. We look forward to continuing to serve you with excellence for years to come.
Warmly,
Dr. Katherine Miller
Palouse Animal Wellness and Surgery Center
