But with all that said we are moving toward spring and it is apparent that the economy is not playing as heavily on the minds of our clients as it was one year ago.  Though I do not believe things are much different from a reality point of view the press is telling people that the economy is getting better and therefore it must be.  The acquisition trail is heating up and I am personally working with varied practice owners throughout the areas we desire and looking forward to a few additions to our affiliated hospitals over the next month or two.  Expansion to our hospital group is a major focus of 2010 with the continued influence of great business practices to support the level of medicine that is practiced in each hospital.  Though Pet Partners does not dictate medicine or drugs used it pleases me to be able to say that each of our practices provides a more comprehensive quality of medicine than they did before we purchased them.

On a lighter note I had the pleasure of vacationing just up the road from our hospital in Aurora, Colorado with my family on the mountain at Steamboat Springs.  My wife is an avid skier as are my two youngest children ages 9 & 12.  And I try to keep up and participate.  Falling is my greatest concern for it is not as much fun as it once was.  I am a big guy and we all know the “bigger they are the harder they fall”.  I have skied for years, had my tumbles on the mountains but quite enjoy the outdoors and especially the powder in the Rockies.  The entire week I had but one fall as I looked back to see where everyone was and taken down by what is referred to as a “snow mouse”.  They can be prevalent and must be watched for.  They jump out and grab you when you least expect it.  They are the source of much conversation and laughs with my kids.  My children have much more experience with “snow mice” than I do – fortunately!

On the fourth day as we walked from our bus ride from the mountain and approached our condo where we were staying for the week, I was attacked by the biggest “snow mouse” that I have ever witnessed.  Snow mice off the mountain are rare in fact I did not know they existed.  Ten feet from the door to removing boots and sitting in front of a fire I dropped like a bomb.  My unstrapped helmet exploded from my head onto the ice covered asphalt.  The skis I was carrying for my daughter went one direction and the poles in the other hand were gone.  The camera I was carrying around my neck bounced comfortably on my chest as my back and right elbow hit the snow covered ice.  My daughter and wife were frantic to find out if I was still breathing and OK.  My nine year old son (hopefully realizing I was OK) announced quickly that he had just witnessed the best “yard sale” he had ever seen.

This discussion caught my attention quickly as I discovered something I had never heard before.  A “yard sale” occurs when a skier falls and loses his/her skis and poles and they are scattered about the landscape.   My family had just experienced the “ultimate yard sale” with the loss of all the above plus the helmet.  I love the fact that I learn every day from my children and I love that every day I learn from the many great staff we have in our affiliated hospitals.  If we stay close to our clients and staff we will continue to learn how to provide value with the services we render.  That in my mind is the secret to success.

Best regards for an early spring,

Ted A Sprinkle, Jr. DVM

Chief Executive Officer

With all of the changes taking place in the veterinary profession, selling a practice is a big decision. Since June of 2003, Pet Partners, LLC has specialized in purchasing neighborhood veterinary hospitals and retaining their unique culture and local neighborhood style. Today, Pet Partners is the second largest private owner of free standing veterinary hospitals in the United States, with Veterinary Hospital Partners across the country.

Pet Partners allows sellers to divest in the practice but still work and manage in partnership. This enables more flexible schedules and a finer focus. “Unlike other acquisition companies, veterinary clinics, doctors and staff that join the Pet Partners team keep their individualistic style of practice,” says Ted A. Sprinkle Jr., DVM,
Chief Executive Officer and Cofounder of Pet Partners.

He explains, “Many professionals have developed negative opinions of veterinary acquisition groups and ‘corporate medicine.’ At Pet Partners we are different because our hospitals maintain their community identity. This philosophy leaves the true ownership and management at the hospital level. This added support allows everyone at the hospitals to focus on delivering the highest quality care possible.”

The Pet Partners network offers support not only from a business aspect, but also aids medical, personal and professional development. Through progressive veterinary partnership, Pet Partners provides veterinary hospitals with centralized administrative services, management expertise, marketing and personalized support, training and mentoring to facilitate top-class medicine that will help the business thrive.

The Pet Partners senior management team includes respected veterinarians and business leaders with a wealth of experience in veterinary environments and/or multi-site service businesses. Headquartered in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), New York, Pet Partners is actively seeking new partnership opportunities with qualified candidates. For more information on selling or buying a veterinary practice, please visit www.petpartnersusa.com.

With the toughest winter in decades dumping fresh white snow on all parts of the East coast and Mid Atlantic areas and with record low temperatures in Florida we are off to the greatest business challenges we have seen since I have been a veterinarian.  These are the times that teach our practice leaders how to create and execute new ways of communication and influence.  Trying to get pet owners through the news of and the reality of the weather is at this moment our greatest challenge.

In spite of these challenges the affiliated teams are doing a great job of keeping the practices open and making sure those pets with serious and even critical needs are being attended.  It is a pleasant experience to see the attitudes that our practice leadership demonstrate in these times compounded by the worst recession that any of us will likely see in our lifetimes.  In spite of all this our business is solid.

Our Leadership Meeting referenced in my blog last month has had profound responses from our teams and we are anxious to get going and apply what we have all learned together.  Dr. Tom Butera’s ongoing CE webinars are not affected by the current weather and our dental CE will predictably stimulate new and creative thoughts on how to better serve our clients.

On another note I reached out to all of our teams to direct me to practices in their locations that may be now or in the future for sale.  Pet Partners will be aggressive in the months ahead in selecting new affiliates to join our family of veterinary practices.  If you are reading this blog with the idea that you wish to sell your veterinary practice please contact me directly and I assure you that our communication will be confidential.

As stated throughout our website the Pet Partners operating model is different and we are all proud of that.  Unlike the branded model used by VCA Antech and Banfield we retain the community brand that the hospital was before our purchase.  We do not change name, signage or in any way associate the name Pet Partners with the client side of the hospital.  It is our thinking based on results in human medicine that this is important to the client.  Though every one of our practices provide better levels of care now than they did at purchase this comes from within the practice by the influence of our CE and awareness initiatives.  Pet Partners does not dictate the medicine, the protocols or the drugs used.  What we do is influence the back office systems, the administrative and management aspects of the practice and allow more contact with the client and more time and attention paid to the pet.  We are a medicine first Company with business and profits a product of good medicine.

We place high value on the goodwill of the practice and this goodwill points directly to the people, especially those who serve on the support teams.  In all our purchases we value the people the most.  I have stated over and over that we are in the “people business” and happen to provide veterinary care.  So if you are in the mindset of selling your veterinary clinic, of selling your veterinary practice, of selling your veterinary hospital please contact me directly and we will see if Pet Partners is right for you.  You will definitely find this veterinary directed organization a breath of fresh air.

Best regards as we work toward Spring,

Ted A Sprinkle, Jr.

Chief Executive Officer

Pet Partners was created by veterinarians for veterinarians. By progressive veterinary partnership, Pet Partners provides veterinary hospitals with centralized administrative services, management expertise, marketing and personalized support, training and mentoring to facilitate top-class medicine that will help the business thrive.

Since June of 2003, Pet Partners has specialized in purchasing neighborhood veterinary hospitals and retaining their unique culture and local neighborhood style. Today, Pet Partners is the second largest private owner of free standing veterinary hospitals in the United States, with Veterinary Hospital Partners across the country.

The Pet Partners senior management team includes respected veterinarians and business leaders with a wealth of experience in veterinary environments and/or multi-site service businesses. Headquartered in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), New York, Pet Partners is actively seeking new partnership opportunities with qualified candidates. For more information on selling or buying a veterinary practice, please visit www.petpartnersusa.com. 

Pet Partners adheres to the highest standards. Many Pet Partners hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA - www.aahanet.org), which is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada. AAHA (AAHA - www.aahanet.org), -accredited hospitals voluntarily choose to be evaluated on over 800 standards in the following areas: quality of care; diagnostics, analytics & pharmacy; management; medical records and facility.

Pet Partners offers convenience and opportunity for veterinarians, which translates in better care for clients. Pet Partners streamlines the day-to-day administrative tasks, and offers conveniences for clients, like offering Care Credit (link to http://www.carecredit.com), which is a payment facilitating program. Pet Partners is able to obtain discounted prices on products and services along with continuing education opportunities that are offered on a monthly basis with some of the most renowned experts in the field of veterinary medicine.

We have some of the best and most impressive veterinarians. Unlike other acquisition companies such as VCA Antech Animal Hospitals and PetSmart’s Banfield Hospitals, veterinary clinics, doctors and staff that join the Pet Partners team keep their individualistic style of practice. Many professionals have developed negative opinions of veterinary acquisition groups like VCA Antech Animal Hospitals and “corporate medicine” similar to PetSmart’s Banfield Hospitals. However, the professionals at Pet Partners really set themselves apart and allow the hospitals to maintain their community identity. This philosophy leaves the “true ownership” and management at the hospital level. This added support allows everyone at the hospitals to focus on delivering the highest quality care possible.

There are many benefits of selling a veterinary practice. With all of the changes taking place in the veterinary profession, selling a practice is a big decision. Pet Partners allows sellers to divest in the practice but still work and manage in partnership. This enables more flexible schedules and a finer focus.

The Pet Partners network offers support not only from a business aspect, but also aids medical, personal and professional development. The veterinarians within Pet Partners offer a strong camaraderie of idea-sharing and mentorship, and they come from the best veterinary schools and colleges such as Auburn University , Cornell University , Purdue University , Texas A&M University , Tufts University , University of Florida, University of Pennsylvania, University of Georgia, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, University of Tennessee, and Virginia Tech.

The Pet Partners group is talented and would be more than happy to talk to any person interested in selling a veterinary practice.

About Pet Partners, LLC
Pet Partners was created by veterinarians for veterinarians. Through a unique approach to progressive veterinary consultation, Pet Partners provides centralized administrative services, management expertise, and personalized support, training and mentoring to help businesses thrive. But as veterinarians, the Pet Partners team knows that this is much more than a business.

For many, this is a calling driven by the desire to care for animals. Pet Partners understands this and always focuses on medical excellence, customer service and human-animal connection that is at the heart of the practice. Since June of 2003, Pet Partners has specialized in purchasing neighborhood veterinary hospitals and retaining their unique culture and neighborhood style.

Today, Pet Partners is the second largest private owner of free standing veterinary hospitals in the United States, with veterinary hospital partners across the country. Headquartered in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), New York, the Pet Partners senior management team includes respected veterinarians and business leaders with a wealth of experience in veterinary environments and/or multi-site service businesses. Please visit www.petpartnersusa.com for more information.

Congratulations Dr. Stacey on a great job, and thanks for being part of our team.

Welcome to 2010 and Happy New Year to all.  I am personally anticipating a great 2010 and hopeful that all business in the veterinary space picks up to previous levels.  With that said, we are blessed that people are caring for their pets and supporting our business better than other businesses.  Our consolidated year at Pet Partners was an amazing success in all areas.  We consider ourselves blessed!

This past week we assembled all of our Medical Directors and Practice Managers for a leadership conference at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD.  Weather cooperated with travel last week and even the teams from the Chicago area got in and out without difficulty.  This was our sixth year assembling the leadership teams and it was by all measurements the best meeting we have had.  It was a general kickoff for 2010 and the attendance demonstrated how much our teams enjoy this activity.  This meeting was created at the response and desires of our leaders from last year’s meeting.

We had a great assemblage of medical CE with credits that were dedicated to our mantra of top class veterinary medicine.  Lectures on Thoracic Radiography and Pulmonary Pattern Recognition, multiple disorders in the same patient along with discussions regarding canine pancreatitis and then more on internal and external parasites satiated our doctor leaders and stimulated a lot of passionate discussion.  Dr. Tom Butera did a fantastic job of providing a comprehensive program of medical CE. I do need to salute our strategic partners at IDEXX, Purina Veterinary Diets and Pfizer for their support in this very important conference.

While our doctor leaders were absorbing the latest thoughts from speakers such as Dr. Chris Kunze, Dr. Jennifer McClellan and Dr. Melissa Beall, the practice managers were meeting next door in an open forum of activities that allowed them to assemble to gain more confidence in their styles, knowledge and expertise as managers.  It serves to remind everyone that the Pet Partners affiliated hospitals are all individual and are led by individuals who understand the cultural makeup of their unique staff, clientele and community.  This session for the practice managers allowed them to gain comfort in their efforts and dealt with topics such as conflict among employees, hiring and interview approaches and basics of business.  The dinner at Cinghiale on the first night provided a great opportunity for all leaders to match notes and gain better respect for the effort the Company was making to facilitate their great medical outcomes.  They are an amazing group!!

On the second day we focused on the client.  This is something I believe is not considered enough.  Dr. Amanda Donnelly spoke on valuing our services and client service and Dr. Judy Martin spoke to “Frank”.  We won’t go into “Frank” in this communication but if you would like to know more contact Dr. Tom Butera at 508-450-7323 and he will introduce you to the world of “Frank” and all that goes with it.  It is an incredible program created by Pfizer Animal Health and one every veterinarian should acquaint with.  It is powerful.

But the best came from within.  Dr. Robert Pierce, our medical director at North Ridge Veterinary Hospital in Madison, Ohio, combined a general history of veterinary medicine from prehistoric times to today along with the incentive programs he has developed and used in Ohio to bring his staff into the business and to align them with performing at top levels.  Bob is a great leader but I never dreamed he was a comedian.  He sure proved me wrong.

Lance Sprinkle (related) provided seat edge information on the metrics that serve as a frame of reference for aligning the practice of medicine with the business of medicine.  Doctors and managers combined to direct questions that demonstrated the level of business acumen that pervades this Company.  For me it was a warm and positive alert.  We have come a long way in a short time.  Cudos to the entire team at all levels.

I could go on at length about my feelings in regard to this meeting.  In short it was nothing but positive and emulates the changes that are occurring in our profession.  Keep in touch and if you know of any top class veterinary practices that are in need of new ownership – we are interested.  I am most interested.

Best regards in 2010,

Ted A Sprinkle, Jr. DVM

Chief Executive Officer

Manchester, NH – Your cat’s urinary system has an important, and rather sizable job to do. The kidneys work to maintain healthy blood and eliminate toxins, working in conjunction with the bladder, which serves as a storage tank. As the bladder becomes full, urine is passed out of the body through the urethra. Urine is the means by which the body gets rid of waste products, toxins, and other harmful substances. Since the excretion of wastes from the kidneys through the bladder to the outside of the body is absolutely necessary in order to remain healthy, problems with the urinary tract system can become very serious very quickly, especially if they in any way prevent urine from leaving the body.

Feline urinary blockage is a serious medical condition that is extremely painful for a cat and can quickly become life threatening if it is not treated by a veterinarian — the time from complete urinary blockage until death may be less than twenty-four to forty-eight hours! A build-up of toxins that are normally expelled in the urine can cause a complete system failure. Whenever a cat, male or female, has difficulty urinating, it should be considered a medical emergency regardless of whether or not it is feline urinary blockage. Males however are more at risk because while a female cat’s urethra (the tube that transports urine from the bladder out of the body) is relatively short and wide, a male cat’s urethra is long, narrow and much more easily obstructed.

Both inflammation and infection can prevent a cat’s urinary system from functioning correctly, while a total blockage can occur when mucous, along with microscopic particles or crystals that form hardened mineral deposits in the kidney, make their way to the urethra and plug the opening

Symptoms of feline urinary blockage may include frequent trips to the litter box where the animal will squat, strain or cry out in pain in an attempt to pass even just a few drops of blood-tinged urine or, in some severe instances, none at all. In late stages of feline urinary blockage, the cat will become obviously ill and may not be able to stand. This is due to extremely altered levels of electrolytes within the body, especially potassium, which can ultimately case heart failure. The cat may also vomit and have a swollen belly, which is the result of a dangerously full bladder. If left untreated, the animal’s bladder can even rupture. Should your pet exhibit any of these signs, medical attention is vital.

It’s hard to tell when a cat is blocked versus when he is unblocked and merely suffering from a less life-threatening urinary tract condition, as the inflammation, urgency, and non-productive straining can look identical in either case. The easiest way to tell is by actually feeling in the belly for the presence of a distended bladder. It is often the size and firmness of a peach if it there is an obstruction. Normal bladders are usually soft like partly filled water balloons and non-obstructed inflamed bladders are usually very small or empty. Still, while this size and texture difference is obvious to a professionally trained veterinarian, most pet owners are not able to feel for the bladder correctly.  If your cat has been blocked too much squeezing of the belly can worsen the problem or cause the bladder to rupture.  If there is any question about whether a male cat is blocked, he should be immediately taken to the vet for evaluation.

Upon diagnosis of feline urinary blockage, your veterinarian will immediately attempt to remove the obstruction. This procedure is done by placing a catheter inside the urethra and flushing it with sterile solution to remove or dislodge the blockage. Usually, the catheter is sewn in place and remains for a few days until the risk of subsequent blockages is gone. Unless the cat is comatose, catheterization usually requires anesthesia. After the obstruction has been relieved, treatment varies depending upon the condition of the cat. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are treated with intravenous fluid therapy. Antimicrobial medications are frequently given to combat bacteria, and drugs that help restore bladder function are sometimes required. Hospitalization may range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity and duration of the obstruction. Some cats don’t survive because treatment is initiated too late.

Remember, if you suspect your cat is suffering from urethral obstruction or blockage, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately or bring them to an emergency care clinic. Feline urinary blockage is a true medical emergency, and immediate treatment is essential to ensuring that you and your feline friend live a healthy, happy, long life together.

About South Willow Animal Hospital:
South Willow Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital that strives to give exceptional client service while practicing high quality medicine. Their mission is to exceed the expectations of their clients by utilizing a highly trained professional staff that is committed to client satisfaction, quality and efficiency of patient care. In addition to offering comprehensive pet oral examinations and dental cleanings, their services include routine wellness exams, surgical procedures, internal medicine, vaccinations, microchipping, and pain management. For more information or to schedule an appointment please call  (603) 641-6252 or visit www.southwillowah.com.

It is hard to believe the holidays are here, and 2009 is coming to an end.  It is also hard to believe that Pet Partners is beginning its 8^th year.  In reflection, this has been a much better year than predicted, and though I am aware that some practices throughout the USA are having financial difficulty, for the most part veterinary medicine has lived up to its reputation as a recession-resistant professional service.  In essence, pet owners are still taking good care of their pets.

We at Pet Partners have had an extraordinary year with the addition of 5 new hospitals since this time last year.  Our new practices are transitioning to our business model with exceptional ease, and we have added new and exciting medical services to our family with these new affiliated hospitals.  Continuing education is now the strongest addition to our medical operations, and our strategic partnerships with IDEXX, Purina Veterinary Diets and Pfizer have been in constant and relentless support of this education.  We all take this moment to thank these three especially for their continued support of our medicine.

I do want to take time to acknowledge some individuals who have the hardest job in our model and they are the Regional Managers.  Dawn Michael, Louise Geiss and Richard Michaud are the direct support line for each of our practices.  These are the people who are on the road a lot, and when not on the road, they are either on the phone or on their computer reviewing metrics and data and figuring out how to better support the Managers and Medical Directors of each practice.  They have heard of 40 hour weeks but have not experienced them and they live and die with the staff of each practice.  These are dedicated individuals who I depend on and who I greatly admire.  To Dawn Louise and Rich – thanks for your dedication and keeping me headed in the right direction.  We would not be where we are without you!!

Rarely do I acknowledge in public the leadership and dedication of Lance Sprinkle or our team in Wilton (Saratoga Springs), NY.  It was recently asked of me in a meeting if Lance and I were related in any way.  The answer is YES and I will let you figure out the relationship.  As CFO and Partner of Pet Partners he has brought the strategic level of infrastructure, accounting and reporting to a place not usual in our profession.  This infrastructure and the people behind it allow Pet Partners to be positioned for significant growth in the near future.  The data we have to support our doctors and the medicine they provide their patients is top class.  To Debbie Vilmar, Julie Record, Rich Michaud, Bob Brunelle, Stephanie Havens, Christine Hayes and Michelle Holcomb, your support of the regional team in their practices does not go unnoticed and unappreciated.  And you guys are a lot of fun also!

Most of you know or have heard of my partner and Chief Medical Officer for Pet Partners, Dr. Tom Butera.  The consummate teacher, Tom has brought the level of awareness and the medical frame of reference to a new level of perfection.  Trusted and admired by all who meet him, Tom has brought the best practices of all our affiliates to the front for all to consider.  And we have affiliated practices who are learning everyday new approaches to old problems through Tom’s consistent mentoring and teaching.  His relentless pursuit of continuing education for our doctors is unprecedented.  I am proud to be your partner, Tom.

Jerry Pullins arrived at a lunch to meet me in December, 2006, at the encouragement of a mutual friend.  Jerry has spent his life as a leader in multi-site service businesses and that lunch led to a more formal relationship/partnership that has blossomed as he has learned the differences and similarities of a new multi-site model.  His wealth of experience and support of the Pet Partners business model has been stimulating, inspirational and comforting, all at the same time.  When Jerry speaks, I usually listen.

But most of all, I want to applaud those who work tirelessly in the practices dedicated to the health and welfare of the family pets presented to them every day.  They cannot be named for space reasons but they should be.  I have never before experienced the passion and desire to help that I see every day in our practices.  All of us at Pet Partners at every level take our hats off, stand at attention and applaud loudly the work you do and the great results you provide each and every pet who comes to you at a time of need.  The veterinarians who I will reach out to personally this holiday season deserve the biggest kudos.  Without each and every one of you, this just doesn’t work.  With you, it is working quite well.  Congratulations!  Your patients thank you too.

So we begin to consider a new year.  January brings the Pet Partners Leadership Conference in Baltimore, MD January 6-9.  This is the time of the year that we reload ideas and goals and get all of our Practice Managers and Medical Directors together to think creatively of how we can improve what we do at every level.  It is always an exciting meeting and this will be our largest and likely most fun.  Until after this meeting is completed I say to everyone – Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!!!

From Ted A Sprinkle, Jr. DVM

CEO Pet Partners, LLC

Naugatuck, CT:  America’s growing shortage of veterinarians makes the threat of unemployment almost nonexistent for those who choose to enter this field–there simply are not enough veterinarians to fill available jobs. In fact, this scarcity is starting to reach crisis levels according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Although animal health is a large part of what veterinarians do for a living, they also protect humans from disease, keep food safe and protect the agricultural economy as well.

Life without veterinarians would mean more sick animals, including humans. Representatives from Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital attended a career day at Naugatuck High School in hopes to encourage students to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. A veterinarian from Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital, Stacey Dallas, DVM, spoke with the attendees, 11th and 12th grade students, and explained the diverse and rewarding opportunities available when pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.

“There’s opportunity for research and academic careers, positions within the military and public health sectors, areas like specialty medicine and private practice, and ‘animal-nurses’ more officially known as veterinary technicians,” explained Dr. Dallas. “As a veterinarian I’m in a very privileged and unique position since, unlike any other medical career, I can consult, diagnose, test, treat and perform surgery on several different species. There is never a boring day in the life of a veterinarian!”

Top Five Characteristics: What it takes to be a Veterinarian

Pet and people skills: Veterinarians should have an affinity for animals and the ability to get along with their owners.
A degree: Prospective veterinarians must graduate with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M. or V.M.D.) degree from a 4-year program at an accredited college of veterinary medicine. There are 28 colleges in 26 States that meet accreditation standards set by the Council on Education of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
A passion for science: Veterinary medical colleges typically require applicants to have taken classes in organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, general biology, animal biology, animal nutrition, genetics, vertebrate embryology, cellular biology, microbiology, zoology, and systemic physiology.
Take tests: Applicants normally need to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT), or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), depending on the school.
Continue learning: Continuing education is important for advancement, and it’s necessary to become a specialist in certain areas.
Source: The United States Department of Labor

Media Inquiries
For more information, to arrange an interview, or schedule a visit to tour Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital and meet the dedicated veterinary team, please call Libby McKenna at 813.476.3894 or email Libby@FetchingCommunications.com.

About Stacey Dallas, DVM
Dr. Dallas is a 2005 graduate of the University of Sydney School of Veterinary Medicine and joined the practice in 2007. She is especially interested in internal medicine. She is a member of the New Haven County Veterinary Association and Litchfield County Veterinary Association.

About Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital
Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital is a well-established, full-service, primary veterinary care provider offering comprehensive medical, surgical and dental services. They provide a broad spectrum of diagnostic procedures through in-house testing and the use of external laboratories. The facility includes a well-stocked pharmacy, in-hospital surgery suite, in-house x-ray capabilities, and a closely supervised hospitalization area. At Naugatuck Veterinary Hospital the medical staff strives to offer not only sound advice, but also optimal veterinary care, thus allowing patients and their owners to enjoy a happy, healthy life together. For more information please call (203) 723-7187 or visit www.naugatuckvh.com.

Charlottesville, VA – Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center has been invited to participate in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited Practice of the Year Awards. The AAHA is an international association of more than 36,000 veterinary care providers that treat companion animals. Established in 1933, AAHA is well known among veterinarians and pet owners for its stringent standards for hospitals and pet health care, and is the only organization that accredits animal hospitals throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Participating in the Practice of the Year Awards is a prestigious honor that is only extended to veterinary practices that have received AAHA accreditation, which in itself is no easy feat. Less than 10% of AAHA’s members are accredited – a designation that requires compliance with a staggering set of 900 service and facility standards widely accepted as the hallmarks of superior patient care. And for those hospitals that hoped to rest on their laurels, think again. Accreditation has an expiration date. Hospitals must pass an on-site evaluation administered by an AAHA consultant every two years in order to maintain their standing as an accredited practice.

AAHA accreditation starts with a three-to-nine month application process that requires every member of the practice’s team participate in a review of protocols and procedures to refine and improve service offerings in five areas; quality of care, diagnostics and pharmacy, management, medical records, and facility. Those practices that are found to be in compliance with the policies and standards requirements established by the association are awarded AAHA-Accredited Practice status.

Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center’s dedicated team of veterinary professionals  has participated in the hospital evaluation and accreditation program for 25 years, and has never failed to achieve accreditation status. While participation in the AAHA accreditation program requires continuing evaluation, Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center’s consistently strong scores and longstanding history with the program means they are only evaluated every four years instead of every two.

This year their accreditation evaluation score was impressive enough to qualify them for candidacy in the AAHA Practice of the Year Awards – they received the highest evaluation score in their five-state region. They are now in the running for one of six awards to be presented during the 2010 AAHA yearly conference in Long Beach, CA. Winners will be notified by February, but won’t know what award they’ve received — first, second or third place, plus three honorable mentions — until the final announcement is made at March’s conference.

About Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center
Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, Albemarle Veterinary Health Care Center is a full-service animal hospital, committed to pet health. The facility is equipped with an in-house lab, allowing for prompt, accurate results and the most efficient treatment—capable of handling almost any medical or surgical problem. Services include hospitalization, intensive care for seriously ill patients, diagnostic testing, routine and specialized radiographic procedures, and dental services. The hospital’s equipment is state-of-the-art right down to their filing system—pets’  electronic medical records are available at the click of a mouse. For more information please call (434) 973-6146 or visit www.albemarlevet.com.

About the American Animal Hospital Association
Established in 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices throughout the U.S. and Canada for dedication to high standards of veterinary care. More than 3,000 AAHA-accredited practices pass regular reviews of AAHA’s stringent accreditation standards that cover patient care, client service and medical protocols. For pet care information or referral to an AAHA-accredited practice, visit www.healthypet.com.