2024 AAHA Community Care Guidelines for Small Animal Practice
From the outset, the goal is clear: to reshape how veterinary care is delivered so that every pet has access to quality services. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has rolled out the 2024 Community Care Guidelines for Small Animal Practice, a new initiative aimed at making veterinary care more accessible and equitable for all.
Key Principles of the Community Care Guidelines
The guidelines are built on four foundational principles:
- Recognizing the Urgency of Access to Care
Many pet owners face significant challenges when seeking veterinary services. AAHA is committed to addressing these disparities by providing immediate, practical solutions to ensure that pets receive the care they need. - Encouraging Collaboration Across Sectors
By fostering partnerships among private veterinary practices, nonprofit organizations, and community groups, these guidelines promote a unified approach that bridges service gaps and enhances pet health care. - Prioritizing Family-Centered Care
Understanding the profound bond between pets and their families, the guidelines advocate for strategies that keep pets safely at home, addressing both their medical and emotional needs. - Redefining the Gold Standard of Veterinary Care
Traditional models often leave pet owners with limited options due to financial constraints. This new approach expands essential services to ensure that every pet can receive necessary care, regardless of their owner’s financial situation.
Practical Strategies for Implementation
To bring these principles to life, the guidelines recommend several actionable strategies, including:
- Offering sliding-scale fees to accommodate a range of financial situations.
- Expanding telemedicine services to connect pet owners with veterinary expertise more conveniently.
- Forming strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations to provide low-cost care options.
Collaboration remains at the heart of these efforts. By encouraging open dialogue and resource sharing among various stakeholders, the guidelines pave the way for a more inclusive and effective approach to pet health care.
JVR Strategies’ Principal Consultant Jyothi V. Robertson, DVM, DABVP (Shelter Medicine) contributed as a Guidelines Contributor alongside a dedicated group of professionals, bringing her experience and commitment to expanding veterinary access. She hopes these guidelines will help create more inclusive and compassionate care for pets and the people who love them.
For more details on the Community Care Guidelines, please visit aaha.org/community-care.
Reference:
Greenberg M, McCants D, Alvarez E, Berliner E, Blackwell M, McCobb E, Price T, Robertson J, Stambolis M. 2024 AAHA Community Care Guidelines for Small Animal Practice. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2024 Nov 1;60(6):227-246. doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-7464. PMID: 39480743.