ASAVA Accredited Veterinary Hospital of Excellence and the ASAVA Hospital Accreditation Scheme

What are the aims?

It is the goal of the ASAVA Hospital Accreditation Scheme to encourage and assist companion animal practices to achieve the highest levels of quality health care and practice management procedures in innovative and/or ‘state-of-the-art’ hospital facilities. The ASAVA Hospital Accreditation Scheme requires members to maintain and upgrade, where necessary, to provide uncompromised high standards throughout the period of accreditation. ASAVA Accredited Hospitals set a benchmark to which other small animal practitioners may turn for inspiration when assessing their own facilities and standards.

How does my practice become Accredited?

• Involve all members of staff and set aside sufficient time for planning and preparation.
• Complete and submit the Application Form and Evaluation Questionnaire, then mail these and any other submission requirements as detailed in the manual, along with a cheque to the ASAVA Executive Officer.
• Set aside a day for the actual accreditation process.

What are benefits of Accreditation?

There are immense benefits to the practice, clients, patients, directors, professional, para-professional and lay staff, and the veterinary profession as a whole.

Benefits to the practice:

• Accreditation plaque presented at the ASAVA Annual Conference
• Hospital featured in the AVP (Australian Veterinary Practitioner)
• Logo (patent pending) for use exclusively by ASAVA Accredited Veterinary ‘Hospitals of Excellence’ on letterheads, advertisements in professional publications or local newspapers. Promotional material available including; window decals, name badges and illuminated signs.

Benefits to clients and patients:

• An assurance of quality veterinary care.
• Accredited veterinary hospitals available throughout Australia - clients can be assured of the highest level of care and professionalism.

Benefits to directors:

• Directors become members of the Accredited Hospitals’ Committee of the ASAVA.
• Support available from other hospital directors Australia wide. Exchange of ideas at regular local and national meetings and teleconferences.

Benefits to the professional, para-professional and lay staff:

• Increased job satisfaction and morale.
• Increased pride in workplace.

Benefits to the veterinary profession:

• Overall elevation of the level of small animal practice and patient care.

What are the costs?

• $990 - Initial Accreditation for a three-year period only.
• $660 - Reaccreditation for a minimum of three years to a maximum of five years at the discretion of the inspectors.
• The Manual of Hospital Standards 2008 is available from the ASAVA for $20 plus postage and handling.

Where do I get further information?

Contact the ASAVA