FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Pet lovers have cause to celebrate, knowing their pets will be in good hands at the Fort Carson Veterinary Center.
Not content with the status quo, the clinic staff recently completed accreditation with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The practice was driven by the desire to show they provide top-notch service for animals and their owners, and help demonstrate that their expertise extends beyond working with military animals.
"By (us) earning this (accreditation), our customers should feel confident with the care they are getting for their animals," said Staff Sgt. Laura Viccari, veterinary center NCO in charge.
The AAHA accreditation is a voluntary credential that evaluates more than 900 aspects of a clinic's practice. Less than 15 percent of all veterinary clinics in the United States and Canada are accredited, according to the AAHA website. The credentialing process involves an extensive practice evaluation before an AAHA inspection at the clinic, which was completed in July 2015.
The inspector looks at all aspects of the clinic, including anesthesia, dentistry and surgery.
Going through this process helped highlight best practices that the clinic was already doing, and identify areas for improvement.
The AAHA process allows us to "keep up with the best medicine … while allowing us to know how to improve," said Capt. Marlaina Nelson, officer in charge and veterinarian.
The Fort Carson clinic set itself apart in its command by pursuing the credential. Although the U.S. Army Public Health Command assesses all veterinary clinics, the AAHA requires a higher standard than the Army. Fort Carson is the only clinic, out of 41 in Public Health Command Region West, to complete this process, said Nelson.
The staff's pride in their achievement is evident.
"The best facilities in the U.S. are accredited," said Spc. Casey Lubiniecki, animal health care specialist. "This shows we are among the best."
The credential will benefit Soldiers and Families with pets on Fort Carson.
"Ultimately, the best benefit is for our clients," said Nelson. "We want to give the best care possible, and the AAHA is the standard of that care."
The Fort Carson Veterinary Center is located on Sheridan Boulevard, next to the Exchange. In addition to treating military animals, the staff provides services to pets of the Fort Carson community, such as spays, neuters, soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, vaccines, microchip implantation, dental cleanings and extractions. It also offers sick call appointments.
Call the veterinary clinic at 526-3803 to schedule an appointment or for more information.
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