UF PETS in Ocala accredited by key national group

Members of the staff at UF PETS in Ocala show off their AAHA accreditation sign following notification from the national group that the designation had been received. (Photo courtesy of UF PETS)

The University of Florida Pet Emergency Treatment Services practice in Ocala has gained accreditation from a key national group.

The designation, granted May 26 by the American Animal Hospital Association, symbolizes the highest level of excellence, according to AAHA, and follows a rigorous review of practice protocols, medical equipment, facility and client service.

The main UF Small Animal Hospital in Gainesville received AAHA accreditation in both traditional and specialty veterinary medical care areas in 2015.

“We are so pleased to have reached this important milestone, which reflects the high-level of veterinary emergency and critical care expertise we offer to pet owners and to the referring veterinary community in Ocala and Marion County,” said Dr. Dana Zimmel, associate dean for clinical services and chief medical officer at the UF College of Veterinary Medicine.

The UF PETS facility opened in 2012 as a collaborative effort between the university and Marion County-area veterinarians who recognized that the lack of after-hours emergency veterinary care was a critical need in the community.

Located near the Paddock Mall in Ocala, the clinic is staffed by small animal emergency and critical care clinicians with additional support personnel. The clinic provides basic to advanced emergency care between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. during the week and around the clock on weekends and holidays, bridging the gap during time periods when veterinarians’ offices are typically closed.

Unlike human hospitals, not all animal hospitals are required to be accredited. Accredited hospitals choose to be evaluated on approximately 900 quality standards that go above and beyond state regulations, ranging from patient care and pain management to staff training and advanced diagnostic services.

The AAHA website notes that only the top small animal hospitals in the United States and Canada have achieved accreditation by the association. Hospitals accredited by AAHA are recognized among the finest in the industry, and are consistently at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine, the association states. In addition, AAHA standards are continuously reviewed and updated to keep accredited practices on the cutting edge of veterinary excellence.

To maintain accredited status, UF PETS must continue to be evaluated regularly by AAHA.