Earlier this year, Tripawds Honorary 3.5-legged Spokesdog Nellie gave us a dog cancer scare that reminded us why we always choose veterinary clinics accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). Today is AAHA Day — the perfect time to celebrate the top-level vet clinics around the world that go the extra mile to earn AAHA accreditation.
Nellie’s Cancer Tumor Reminds Us Why The Best Vet Clinics are AAHA-accredited
In February, a tiny lump on Nellie’s torso suddenly turned big. Really big. This beast needed to go, and fast!
The only problem? The closest vet cancer clinic wasn’t AAHA-accredited. And they could only offer tumor removal by a vet surgeon who wasn’t a cancer specialist, so we respectfully declined. Why?
Because soft tissue tumors can be difficult to remove with clean margins, even for the best surgeons. Not being an AAHA clinic pushed us to seek care elsewhere — and we’re so glad we did.
She had a Grade 1 soft tissue sarcoma
Nellie’s scary lump turned out to be a Grade 1 soft tissue sarcoma. It was expertly removed by Dr. Chris Thomson, a veterinary surgical oncologist, at San Diego’s AAHA-accredited Ethos Veterinary Specialty Hospital — a three-hour drive away, that was absolutely worth it.
Listen to Dr. Thomson on Tripawd Talk Episode #118 The MIMIC Study for Minimally Invasive Metastasectomy in Canines
Choosing a surgical oncologist gave us extra peace of mind. Like AAHA clinics, these specialists go above and beyond in veterinary medicine. Dr. Thomson and his colleagues are part of a small group of cancer care vets who obtained additional surgery and oncology training after becoming a board-certified oncologist.
Combine a higher level of cancer expertise with an AAHA-accredited clinic, and you’ve got a winning strategy at beating dog cancer!
We are happy to report that thanks to Dr. Thomson and the AAHA level of care she received, Nellie B. Dawg is healthy and happy again, with a slim-to-none risk of tumor recurrence.
Yet another reason for us to do a happy dance on AAHA Day 2025, and celebrate the best veterinary care around!
Visit the AAHA Hospital Locator to find accredited clinics in the US and Canada
Outside North America? Here’s a list of International Accredited Practices in other nations.
Why AAHA-accreditation Matters for Your Tripawd
Never heard of an AAHA clinic? You’re not alone. Only about 15% of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. and Canada are AAHA-accredited — but those that are provide some of the most consistently safe, modern, and cutting-edge care available.
To earn and keep accreditation, AAHA hospitals must meet over 900 rigorous standards, covering everything from medical protocols to cleanliness. And every three years, they’re re-evaluated to ensure they still meet the highest standards of care.
Did you know?
Unlike human hospitals, animal clinics in the U.S. aren’t ever required to be accredited or inspected by a governing board. That’s why AAHA’s voluntary accreditation process is so valuable: it signals a clinic’s commitment to excellence.
When your pet needs an amputation, here’s why AAHA accreditation matters.
- AAHA standards ensure your vet uses the latest surgical techniques, which reduces risks.
- Pain management is where AAHA really shines — your Tripawd’s amputation pain will be treated with the most up-to-date techniques and medications. This leads to a faster, more comfortable recovery.
- AAHA sets the standard for veterinary medicine care guidelines. Each AAHA practice is committed to providing the best, most compassionate care for any condition throughout your pet’s life.
Of course, plenty of excellent veterinary practices aren’t AAHA-accredited. But in our opinion, only the greatest take that extra step.
Is your veterinary clinic AAHA-accredited?
And if they aren’t, ask why not. A good conversation starter is “How do you and your team make sure my pet will get the best care during and after surgery?”
This AAHA Day 2025, we wholeheartedly know that choosing an AAHA-accredited clinic will make your Tripawd’s care easier, less stressful, and happier — from surgery through recovery and beyond.
Visit the AAHA Hospital Locator to find accredited clinics in the US and Canada
Outside North America? Here’s a list of International Accredited Practices in other nations.