The Small Animal Clinic (SAC) at St. George’s University has once again earned accreditation from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-quality veterinary medical care and meeting rigorous international standards. Following a comprehensive evaluation, the clinic was successfully re-accredited in October 2026, securing another three-year term of recognition.
The achievement reflects the clinic’s continued adherence to AAHA’s extensive standards across areas including patient care, surgery, medical records, diagnostic services, pharmacy operations, emergency care, staff training, and facility management.
Maintaining the highest standards of care
Operating year-round, the Small Animal Clinic provides approximately 6,500 consultations annually and is supported by a team of nearly 30 veterinary technicians, assistants, administrative personnel, and other support staff. In addition to offering comprehensive medical, surgical, preventive, emergency, and diagnostic services, the clinic serves as a key teaching facility for the School of Veterinary Medicine, providing students with valuable hands-on clinical experience under the guidance of faculty and veterinary professionals.
“AAHA accreditation requires us to evaluate every aspect of how we operate, from patient safety and anesthesia protocols to medical recordkeeping, infection control, and client communication,” said Dr. Wayne Sylvester, medical director and associate professor at the Small Animal Clinic.”
The re-accreditation highlights the commitment to continuous improvement by the team at the Clinic.
“Maintaining these standards helps ensure that every patient receives consistent, high-quality care while providing our students with hands-on experience in a clinical environment that reflects best practices in veterinary medicine,” added Dr. Christianne Shaw, assistant professor at the Small Animal Clinic.
The SAC first earned AAHA accreditation in 2016, it secured re-accreditation in 2019 and continues to maintain the highest level of adherence to AAHA’s standards.
A commitment to continuous improvement
For SGU, the clinic’s re-accreditation supports an educational environment where veterinary medical students gain hands-on experience in a setting guided by established standards of patient care and clinical practice.
“Excellence is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, president of St. George’s University and dean of the School of Medicine. “The re-accreditation of our Small Animal Clinic by AAHA demonstrates that commitment in action. It reinforces the strength of our academic programs, supports our mission of educating globally minded healthcare professionals, and reflects the standards of excellence that define the University.”
AAHA accreditation is recognized internationally as a benchmark of excellence within the veterinary medical profession. According to Dr. Satesh Bidaisee, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, the clinic’s success reflects the collective efforts of a multidisciplinary team focused on advancing animal health while supporting the University’s educational mission.
“AAHA re-accreditation is a testament to the sustained commitment to excellence demonstrated by our Small Animal Clinic team,” said Dr. Satesh Bidaisee. “As both a veterinary healthcare facility and a clinical learning environment, our Small Animal Clinic plays a vital role in delivering high-quality patient care while preparing the next generation of veterinarians. This recognition reinforces our commitment to internationally recognized standards of veterinary practice and ensures that our students experience firsthand the importance of clinical excellence, patient safety, professional accountability, and continuous quality improvement.”
