American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited

North Shore Animal Hospital

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Logo

What AAHA accreditation means (and why it matters)

  • Voluntary, not required: Unlike human hospitals, animal hospitals aren’t required to be accredited—so practices that pursue AAHA accreditation are choosing to go above and beyond.

  • A small percentage qualify: About 15% of veterinary hospitals have completed AAHA’s rigorous accreditation process. Choosing an AAHA-accredited hospital means you’re choosing one of the few.

  • Hundreds of standards (nearly 900 overall): To earn and maintain accreditation, hospitals must meet hundreds of continuously updated standards covering anesthesia, pain management, dentistry, surgery, emergency/critical care, medical records, lab, pharmacy, HR, client service, and more.

  • Ongoing quality checks: Accreditation isn’t one-and-done. AAHA hospitals are reevaluated regularly, typically every three years, to ensure standards are consistently met.

AAHA accreditation is your signal that a hospital is committed to the gold standard of veterinary medicine and exceptional client care.

What this looks like for you and your pet

  • Safer anesthesia & pain control guided by current protocols.

  • Cleaner, safer surgery & dentistry with sterile technique and monitoring.

  • Prepared for the unexpected with emergency & critical-care standards.

  • Thorough records and accurate labs that support better decisions.

  • Trained, compassionate teams focused on client communication and low-stress handling.

A smiling woman holds a happy beagle, while a veterinarian in a lab coat smiles at the dog during a check-up.
A veterinarian examines a corgi's ear, using an otoscope, while the dog looks content and happy.

Our Care Philosophy

We believe prevention and personalization keep pets healthier, longer. Our team gets to know you and your pet, then builds a wellness plan around age, lifestyle, breed risks, and your goals. If something changes, we’re here with timely diagnostics and tailored treatment—no one-size-fits-all care.

About AAHA

Founded in 1933, AAHA advances veterinary excellence through evidence-based standards, education, and accreditation—helping accredited hospitals stay at the forefront of medicine and client service.

Learn more: Why accreditation matters (AAHA)

A gray and white cat and a tan pug are sitting together on a table. A person wearing blue gloves is behind them, gently holding the pug.
A calico cat being gently held by a person in a blue uniform with a stethoscope around their neck.

AAHA-Accredited Vet in Bayside

If you are looking for an AAHA-accredited vet in Bayside, NY, look no further than North Shore Animal Hospital. Whether your pet needs routine wellness care, emergency treatment, or even a safe place to stay while you’re on vacation, you can rest assured knowing they will be in excellent hands when you choose us!