Why Pet Owners Trust 1st Pet
What makes one veterinary hospital different from another? At 1st Pet, our commitment to excellence goes beyond the exam room. Learn how the certifications, standards, and values behind our organization help shape the care we provide every day.
More Than Veterinary Care
At 1st Pet Veterinary Centers, we believe exceptional medicine starts with a commitment to excellence, compassion, and continuous improvement. That’s why we actively participate in nationally recognized programs that help ensure we provide the highest standards of care for pets, their families, and our team members.
These certifications and affiliations reflect our dedication to patient safety, quality medicine, employee ownership, and creating a positive experience for every pet who walks through our doors.
Higher Standards of Care
AAHA Accredited Veterinary Hospital
When it comes to your pet’s health, you want to know they’re receiving the best care possible. That’s one reason we’re proud to be AAHA Accredited. Hospitals that earn this distinction must meet rigorous standards for patient care, safety, pain management, cleanliness, and team training.
Only about 15% of veterinary hospitals have achieved AAHA accreditation, giving pet owners added confidence that their pet is being cared for by a hospital committed to high standards and continuous improvement.
Commitment to high medical standards
Ongoing evaluation and improvement of hospital practices
Focus on patient safety and quality care
A Less Stressful Veterinary Visit
Fear Free Certified Practice
A trip to the veterinarian doesn’t have to be stressful. As a Fear Free Certified Practice, our team uses gentle handling techniques and low-stress approaches to help pets feel safer and more comfortable during their visit.
The result is a better experience for pets, less anxiety for families, and care that puts your pet’s emotional well-being first.
Gentle, compassionate handling techniques
Reduced fear and anxiety during visits
A more positive experience for pets and their families
Care Designed Specifically for Cats
Cat Friendly Practice Gold
Cats deserve care designed specifically for them. As a Cat Friendly Practice Gold, we’ve met specific standards focused on reducing stress, improving comfort, and providing high-quality feline medical care.
Through specialized training, low-stress handling techniques, and a cat-friendly approach, we work to make veterinary visits easier for both cats and the people who love them.
Veterinary care tailored specifically to cats
Reduced stress during visits
Team members trained in feline handling and care
Care From People Who Have a Personal Stake
Certified EO and 100% Employee-Owned
At 1st Pet, the people caring for your pet aren’t just employees, they’re owners. As a 100% employee-owned company, every team member has a personal stake in the success of our hospitals and the care we provide.
Employee ownership fosters a culture of accountability, teamwork, and long-term commitment. For pet owners, that means a team that is personally invested in maintaining the high standards, reputation, and future of 1st Pet.
A team personally invested in the success of the organization
Long-term commitment to quality care
A culture built around accountability and ownership
Built for the Long Term
Certified Evergreen®
1st Pet Veterinary Centers is proud to be a Certified Evergreen® company. This designation is awarded to organizations that complete a rigorous third-party assessment based on the Evergreen 7Ps® principles: Purpose, Perseverance, People First, Private Ownership, Profit, Paced Growth, and Pragmatic Innovation.
For 1st Pet, becoming Certified Evergreen reflects our commitment to building a strong organization that supports our team members, serves our communities, and provides exceptional care for pets and their families for years to come.
A long-term commitment to excellence
Investment in people, culture, and community
A veterinary organization built to serve future generations
Our Commitment to Excellence
While certifications and affiliations do not define who we are, they reflect the standards we strive to uphold every day. Each represents a commitment to continual learning, accountability, compassion, and improvement.
Together, they support our mission of providing exceptional veterinary care while creating a positive experience for pets, their families, and our team members.
Because at 1st Pet, caring for pets is not just what we do. It is who we are.
Certifications & Commitments FAQs
We believe exceptional veterinary care requires continuous learning, accountability, and a commitment to improving both the client and patient experience.
These programs help shape everything from hospital standards and staff training to patient handling, communication, and the overall experience we provide.
Employee ownership encourages long-term thinking, accountability, and a shared commitment to providing an exceptional experience for every client and pet.
They reflect our commitment to meeting high standards, investing in our team, and continually improving the care and service we provide to pets and their families.