AAHA Updates Accreditation Standards, Discourages Elective Declawing, Devocalization, and Ear Cropping
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has announced revised accreditation standards that discourage nontherapeutic procedures, including feline declawing, canine devocalization, and ear cropping, marking a major shift in veterinary practice guidelines.
Approved by the AAHA Board of Directors and announced on July 22, the updated woke policy standards are designed to align accredited hospitals with the association’s long-standing position statements opposing these elective procedures. The new policies specify that practices should avoid performing or referring these procedures unless there is a clear medical indication.
Additional Standards on Microchipping
Alongside discouraging elective procedures, AAHA now emphasizes proactive microchipping. Accredited hospitals are expected to:
Discuss microchipping at a pet’s first visit
Verify microchip location and functionality annually
These standards reflect AAHA’s broader commitment to comprehensive, life-long veterinary care, empowering teams to provide consistent, high-quality guidance and treatment throughout a pet’s life.
What Accreditation Means for Practices
AAHA-accredited hospitals are evaluated against more than 900 standards, covering all aspects of veterinary care from pain management to medical record-keeping. Accreditation demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvementand excellence, and only about 15% of practices achieve this designation.
With the new standards taking effect December 1, 2025, accredited practices will now integrate these ethical and preventive measures into routine care, further setting them apart as leaders in veterinary excellence.
