Accreditations & Certifications

AAHA Accreditation

As the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the United States, the American Animal Hospital Association holds their accredited hospitals to strict standards and guidelines that ensure the utmost patient care and hospital management. The accreditation is consistently updated to adhere to new veterinary guidelines and practice procedures that solidify the ability of AAHA-accredited animal hospitals to provide cutting-edge and quality services.

According to the AAHA, only 12-15% of all veterinary practices today in the US and Canada are able to say that they have received the prestigious designation of an AAHA-accredited organization.

At Paw Creek, we believe that the AAHA-accreditation is at the heart of who we are and what we stand for. We make sure to hold ourselves to the highest standards of medical practice that are formalized, up-to-date, and at the forefront of the veterinary industry.

The AAHA sets guidelines that include strict proceeding in terms of anesthesia, behavioral management, end-of-life care, mentoring, nutritional assessment, oncology, canine vaccination, weight management, and much more. These guidelines are set by experts in the veterinary profession who outline procedures based off of new and evidenced-based research in the veterinary field. These guidelines are constantly updated to ensure that they evolve with the ever-developing world of veterinary medicine.

Fear Free Certification

A Fear Free certification means our team is equipped with unmatched education on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

World renowned veterinary and pet experts, including boarded veterinary behaviorists, anesthesiologists and internists, pain experts, veterinary technicians (behavior), experts in shelter medicine, animal training, grooming, and boarding, all have a hand in the development of the Fear Free courses. Members of our team have successfully completed an 8-module online course, earning them this certification.

We believe strongly in this training and certification because it’s important to us that your pet is comfortable and happy when in our care. We take great pride in this certification and the experience it provides for our patients.

Low Stress Handling Certification

Many of our staff of TotalBond Veterinary Hospital at Paw Creek have received their Certification in Low Stress Handling®. This means that they have undergone animal handling training through specifically-tailored veterinary courses to learn how to treat pets in a very low-stress manner. More specifically, the Low Stress Handling Certification® teaches our staff how to:

1. Detect subtle changes that link to fear and anxiety in dogs and cats. Then, they can identify what measures and approaches are best to make that pet’s manner less aggressive of fearful in a completely compassionate and non-threatening approach
2. Be able to identify sights, sounds, surfaces, and other nuanced environmental factors that may increase the stress in their animal patients. This means that our staff is highly trained in ways to create safer, calmer, and more welcoming clinical environments for your pet to enjoy.
3. Utilize five different clinically-proven methods for controlling the front and the back end of dogs. Our staff knows how to use specific directional movements and holds to make your dog or cat feel safe and non-aggressive.
4. Be hyper-aware of the nuance in demeanor, position, and approach to animals that may change their perception of the doctor and be more willing to calm down. This includes small body movements that make your pet more relaxed and feeling safe and secure.

 The Certification in Low Stress Handling® fits our overall goal and mission of ensuring the happiness and safety of your pet. Please know that when your pet is in the hands of our staff, they will feel minimal stress.