We’re proud to share some exciting news with our community—Animal Hospital of Lake Villa has officially passed another AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) evaluation! We’ve held this accreditation since 1998, a testament to our long-term, voluntary commitment to the highest standards in veterinary medicine.
This isn’t just another certification. Fewer than 15% of veterinary hospitals in the United States and Canada achieve AAHA accreditation, making it an elite distinction that reflects consistent excellence and ongoing improvement.
What Is AAHA?
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is the only organization that accredits companion animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, and unlike human hospitals, veterinary practices are not required by law to be accredited. That means when a hospital chooses to pursue and maintain AAHA accreditation, it’s a voluntary, proactive decision to be evaluated against rigorous, evolving benchmarks of quality.
What Does It Take to Pass an AAHA Evaluation?
AAHA accreditation entails an on-site evaluation of nearly 900 standards spanning every facet of veterinary care and hospital operations. These include, but are not limited to:
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Patient care and safety
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Surgical and anesthesia protocols
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Pain management
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Cleanliness and facility standards
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Medical record keeping
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Client communication
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Staff continuing education
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Practice leadership and team coordination
Because AAHA standards are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest advances in veterinary medicine, accredited hospitals must continually refine their protocols, equipment, and training to stay at the forefront.
Our team spent months preparing—updating procedures, reviewing and calibrating equipment, reinforcing our internal workflows, and ensuring that everything from medical records to client education aligns with AAHA’s gold-standard expectations.
Why It Matters to You and Your Pet
When you bring your pet to Animal Hospital of Lake Villa, you’re choosing a hospital that has voluntarily subjected itself to external, peer-reviewed scrutiny and continues to meet demanding criteria for quality and safety. AAHA accreditation means:
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Your pet is treated in an environment where best practices are codified and audited.
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The hospital’s team is engaged in ongoing education to keep skills and knowledge current.
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Core aspects of care—nutrition, preventive health, and overall wellness—are part of a broader, client-education focus that helps you maintain your pet’s health year-round.
Who We Are and What Makes Us Different
Animal Hospital of Lake Villa has been serving the communities of Lake Villa, Lindenhurst, Grayslake, Antioch, Gurnee, and greater northern Lake County since 1993, under the leadership of owner and licensed veterinarian Dr. Edward McGinniss. Our longevity reflects deep roots in the area and a sustained focus on delivering high-quality, compassionate care.
We’re not just treating pets—we’re educating their people. Our team emphasizes preventive care through good nutrition, regular exercise, and informed decision-making. That commitment extends internally as well: staff members continually pursue further education so that every aspect of care evolves with veterinary medicine’s best and newest practices.
In addition to AAHA accreditation, many members of our staff are Fear Free Certified, meaning they’ve been trained in techniques designed to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for pets during their visits—making healthcare experiences more comfortable and less traumatic for both animals and their families.
Thank You
We couldn’t have achieved and maintained this standard without the dedication of our incredible team and the trust of our loyal clients. Thank you for letting us care for your pets and for being part of our extended family here in Lake County.
If you’d like to learn more about what AAHA accreditation means for your pet’s care, visit the AAHA website to see why this distinction matters.
About Us
Animal Hospital of Lake Villa has provided compassionate, personalized pet care since 1993. Our Fear Free-certified, AAHA-accredited team helps every pet, even the nervous ones, feel safe and at ease.