Published 6/26/2024

The Veterinary Health Center at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine achieved level II recertification through the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society on June 16. The VECCS is a global professional organization comprising veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and practice managers committed to advancing knowledge and upholding superior standards in veterinary emergency and critical care. The organization offers a facility certification program to encourage facilities to provide exceptional emergency and critical patient care. The goal of the certification is to raise the standard of care by recognizing hospitals that meet and exceed VECCS standards and guidelines.

The VECCS Facility Certification program identifies three certification levels based on operating hours, equipment, and personnel, with level I being the highest. The VHC once again achieved level II certification and is the only VECCS-certified facility in Missouri. VECCS certification is for two years from the date of approval.

Tony Mann, DVM, MS, DACVS, DACVECC, professor and director of Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care at the MU Veterinary Health Center, credits faculty and staff members for their work to make the VHC a top-tier facility. “Our Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care faculty and staff deserve high praise for maintaining the VHC’s certification as a level II VECCS-certified facility,” said Mann. “Many on the SAECC Service helped with the recertification process, but all contributed to the high standard of care required to achieve this status. This VECCS certification exemplifies the commitment of the Veterinary Health Center to providing high quality emergency and critical care services for small animal patients. The Veterinary Health Center is one of only a handful of veterinary teaching hospitals currently certified by the VECCS.”

By Nick Childress