American Animal Hospital Association announces end-of-life care accreditation

The American Animal Hospital Association announced a new end-of-life care accreditation option for veterinary practices that specialize in the care.

Brick-and-mortar and mobile practices whose work is limited to end-of-life care, as well as practices accredited by AAHA that wish to add an end-of-life care practice are eligible for the accreditation.

“Today’s pet owners view their pets as family members,” said AAHA deputy CEO Janice L. Trumpeter. “A poor euthanasia experience can irreparably damage the bond that a pet owner shares with their veterinary practice and the entire health care team. End-of-life care accreditation will help veterinary teams provide appropriate supportive and emotional care during these difficult periods, further enhancing and strengthening the human-animal bond.”

The standards for accreditation were developed by a task force led by veterinarian Kathleen Cooney, founder of Home to Heaven, an in-home companion animal hospice service, as well as AAHA’s member experience team and subject matter experts. Many of the standards developed by the task force are based on the 2016 “AAHA/IAAHPC End-of-Life Care Guidelines.”

The association has set up an email address for interested practice leaders to contact so they can learn more.