| What is AAHA Accreditation and why is it so important? |
We voluntarily meet AAHA's high standards for hospital services and facilities. Why? When we follow AAHA's strict guidelines, it ensures the best possible care for your pet.
Certificate of Accreditation: Desert Veterinary Clinic
This hospital has voluntarily achieved the high standards of the American Animal Hospital Association, qualifying it as an AAHA Hospital Member. These standards pertain to facilities, equipment, practice methods, and management.
The purpose of the American Animal Hospital Association is to enhance the abilities of veterinarians to provide quality medical care to companion animals; enable veterinarians to successfully conduct their practices and maintain their facilities with high standards of excellence; and to meet the public's needs as they relate to the delivery of small animal veterinary medicine.
Membership in the American Animal Hospital Association is available to any veterinary hospital in the United States and Canada that meets the high standards of medical practice and hospital procedures established by AAHA, provided the hospital director subscribes to the purposes of the Association. Evidence of compliance with these standards is determined through periodic on-site evaluations by practice consultants of the Association.
American Animal Hospital Association: Standards for Animal Hospitals
Medical Records Services
A legible, individual record must be maintained for every patient. It must indicate the problem, history, examination findings, and plan for care. It must include complete and accurate documentation of everything related to the doctor-patient-client relationship from beginning until completion.
Examination Facilities
Examination Facilities must be provided and properly equipped.
Pharmacy
Facilities must be provided for storage, safekeeping, and preparation and use of drugs in accordance with federal, state, and provincial laws. Complete detailed recordkeeping for all controlled substance use is mandatory.
Pathology
Pathology services must be provided in-hospital or through outside sources.
Diagnostic Imaging
The hospital must have the capacity to generate quality radiographic images on the premises.
Anesthesiology
Anesthetic services must include proper equipment and procedures for quality patient care and employee safety.
Surgery
Aseptic procedures, proper attire, and a separate room for aseptic surgery must be provided.
Dentistry
Prophylactic dental services (scaling and polishing) must be provided.
Nursing Care
Nursing care must be provided by properly trained staff. All patients must be positively and properly identified during their hospital stay. Convalescent and exercise areas must be adequate.
Housekeeping and Maintenance
There must be a written program for establishing and maintaining a safe, sanitary, functional, and pleasant environment for clients, patients, and employees.
Continuing Education
A medical library consisting of basic textbooks and current periodicals must be provided.
Emergency Services
Emergency services must be provided and must be readily available at all times.
Accredited Member Since 1975
| What kinds of animals do you treat? |
We treat companion animals and limited exotics. This means that we see cats and dogs, ferrets, snakes and reptiles, rabbits, rats and rodents, guinea pigs, hedgehogs and other small mammals.
| What is microchip identification and why should my pet be microchipped? |
Microchipping is a new technology which provides permanent identification of your pet, replacing the complex and costly act of tattooing. Implantation of a microchip is very quick and simple, causing no more discomfort than a vaccine. The microchip itself is slightly longer than a grain of rice and about as big around. It is engineered to contain a unique identification number which can be read by hand-held scanners similar to those used to read barcodes in grocery stores! The scanning devices have been distributed to veterinarians, animal shelters and other organizations across the nation, creating a massive network for assisting in pet retrieval. After the chip is implanted, your pet's information is recorded on data sheets and in our computer system. You are also given the option to register your pet directly with the microchip manufacturer.
If your pet is ever lost or stolen and taken to a veterinarian, a humane society, or animal control agency, he or she will be scanned for a microchip. The number identifies the manufacturer who can tell the recovering organization who the microchip is registered to or was sold to. If you chose to register directly with the manufacturer, you will be contacted directly. If not, they will contact the business the microchip was sold to, who can trace the pet back to you via computer records. The only thing you have to remember is to keep your address and phone number current with the clinic the microchip was implanted at, or the manufacturer to ensure you will be able to be contacted immediately. It is also important to tell your veterinarian that you pet is microchipped if the procedure was performed elsewhere. This allows your new clinic to input the number into their computer system.
Although we currently do not have any open positions, we encourage you to bring in or fax your cover letter and resume, along with any other materials you feel relevant. Employment materials can be left with the receptionist, mailed to us at Desert Veterinary Clinic, 42 Goethals Drive, Richland WA 99352, or faxed to (509) 943-0682.
| Do you accept volunteers? |
Volunteer and job shadowing applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. A candidate should personally deliver a letter expressing interest to be reviewed by our doctors. We regret that not all applicants can be accepted for job shadowing/volunteer positions, as the times available for these programs are limited.
