Parents who want the best medical care for their children can easily find out if a doctor or pediatrician is board certified.

For animal companions, those who have beloved dogs and cats, or even mice and ferrets in their homes, finding an equally qualified veterinarian practice may be more difficult.

Now, the search for an accredited practice to care for a family pet has become much easier for anyone living near the Northwestern Lehigh community of New Tripoli.

Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital, 6807 Weiss Road, owned by Dr. Ferdinand Visintainer V.M.D., has earned the highest level of veterinary excellence following an evaluation by AAHA, the American Animal Hospital Association, based in Colorado.

Less than 12 percent of animal hospitals in the U.S. and Canada have achieved this voluntary accreditation of standards, which goes beyond state regulations.

Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital was founded in 1980 by Dr. James Langman of Orefield. Nine years later, Dr. Visintainer partnered with Dr. Langman. He then opened the New Tripoli hospital in 2005.

In addition to Dr. Visintainer, Dr. Kimberly Kish V.M.D, who is trained in behavioral issues; Dr. Kelly Trexler-Wertman D.V.M., C.C.R.P., who is certified in rehabilitation; and Dr. Hilary Palmeiro V.M.D. have since joined the practice.

According to Dr. Ferdinand Visintainer, a representative of AAHA came to Country Doctor in October 2013 for a pre-visit to the veterinary hospital to discuss the acceditation.

The AAHA standards' evaluator then returned this past January.

Visintainer said the certified technician from AAHA performed a comprehensive review of the hospital's medical records; anesthesia and surgical protocols, all of which have to be documented in writing; hospital cleanliness; emergency care, medical equipment, and client service.

"They also spoke with the different staff members," Business Manager Madeleine Huyett added.

Dr. Visintainer explained the AAHA accreditation is important for two reasons.

"[It says] we keep up on all medical changes and it says 'yes,' we have achieved a benchmark," Dr. Visintainer said. "The accreditation is an ongoing measurement. Clients can walk in and know we have reached this level of care. It gives the person looking for someone to care for their pets some peace of mind."

To maintain accredited status, Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital, a full-service small animal hospital, must continue to be evaluated by AAHA on approximately 900 standards representing best practices in veterinary care and hospital management.

"Personally, I always thought we did a good job," Dr. Visintainer said. "It is the staff here who is Country Doctor. I am very proud of everyone here.

"For me it [accreditation] was frosting on the cake. So why not get formal recognition for it."

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For more information on Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital, call 610-298-2520, visit cdvh.com or like Country Doctor on Facebook.

Also, in the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted this reporter's four-legged friends are patients of Country Doctor Veterinary Hospital.