Hello! We hope you are well and surviving the heat! Please know for those of you who continue to receive service in your vehicle, which we understand and support, it can be uncomfortable due to the temperature. However, we are working as quickly as possible to prepare your invoice once the doctor has completed his or her service cost and treatment plan. It is no surprise to you that we are busy…however, we are treating not just your sweet pet, but those who arrive as emergencies or those who require additional care due to conditions the owner didn’t realize existed. In other words, we are a hospital…and every day this may mean surprises that often, unfortunately, translate into a longer wait for you. As for needing appointments, call as soon as possible to schedule any service you need, please! We can accommodate emergencies quickly but our daily appointment schedule fills quickly! Always, our CSR team is doing their best to support you, answer your questions and service your account. We realize we are not perfect…but we hope you find us doing our best as you and your beloved pet are our primary consideration! Be well, and know that in the midst of all that is sometimes challenging, you and your pet matter and our AGAH team cares!!

A woman with dark hair, wearing a grey shirt, stands in front of large windows holding a white and black cat. The windows show a view of a green lawn and trees. The veterinarian's cat looks towards the camera.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ON KRISTIN COYKENDALL

Kristin has been a Kennel Attendant for over a year, as well as providing vet assistance and supporting the CSR team. She is dedicated to a quality kennel stay for our boarders and kindly receives pet for the veterinarians, while taking  histories and preparing them for their appointments. She loves her American Pitbull Terrier, Civic, who is 11 years old gentle and a loving soul. She also enjoys her two new kitten companions, Nitro and Eightball, who keep her on her toes! Kristin shares that “she loves being around animals…has a true passion for this job” and we experience that daily through her many interactions. She is also pursuing a degree to become a Veterinary Practice Manager. We are proud of Kristin and find her devotion to the animals she serves exceptional! Congratulations, Kristin, on being in the AGAH Spotlight!!

WHAT DOG FOOD SHOULD I PURCHASE FOR MY PET?

To ensure you’re buying high-quality food, look for the nutrition adequacy statement. You should find this…which the FDA considers “one of the most important aspects of a dog or cat food label” on the back label in small print. Nutrient adequacy means being nutrition secure through the appropriate consumption of energy and all essential nutrients in sufficient amounts over time. This nutritional adequacy leads to “optimal” nutritional status. A pet care expert at PetSmart shared that “premium dog food will include meat for protein, vitamin packed vegetables and fruit and omega fatty acids for a shiny coat.” “Also, it’s likely to have less fillers such as corn, wheat and soy”. There are many foods to choose from and perhaps this information will be helpful as you research the best choice for your pet. Please also know that when your dog or cat struggles with specific health issues, our veterinarians have prescribed foods available at AGAH for purchase, as well!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AAHA ACCREDITED?

Briefly, an AAHA practice is evaluated on stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine from management and patient care to team training and medical record keeping. Today only approximately 17% of veterinary practices in the United States and Canada hold the “AAHA accredited” designation. If a hospital chooses to pursue this standard of excellence, independent advisors evaluate each hospital on 900 standards of care that represent veterinary excellence. If the hospital successfully implements these standards, a comprehensive on-site evaluation must be passed every three years in order to maintain the accreditation status. Aquia Garrisonville Animal Hospital is proud of this accomplishment for it demonstrates our commitment to upholding excellence in delivering the best care possible to your pets!

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”
– Mahatma Gandhi