It may come as a surprise to pet owners, but more than 85 percent of all veterinary hospitals and clinics for companion animals in the United States and Canada are not accredited by an independent outside agency as hospitals for humans are.

We were reminded of that last week when we hosted a visit by Wanda Ross, practice consultant for the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) who came through to evaluate our hospital and review its accreditation using about 900 standards of best practices. Established in 1933 and based in Lakewood, Colo., AAHA is the only veterinary association exclusive to pets that does accreditations.

Walk through the halls of the main facility of Cascade Hospital for Animals on any given day, and you will discover our “army of angels” for animals who support the work of our veterinarians to provide the highest caliber of veterinary care at affordable prices.

We are proud to have 31 veterinary technicians working at the hospital -- the largest contingent of such professionals at any animal treatment facility in the Grand Rapids metro area.

Everyone loves a good love story. We have one we would like to share about two very special people.

Ben started working at Cascade Hospital in 2006 as an Animal Care Technician while attending college with hopes of going to veterinary school. Ben transitioned into the role of an Exam Room Technician a few years later. He worked with the veterinarian in the exam room, helped educate clients, and assisted with outpatient appointments.

This Fourth of July weekend is shaping up to be a beautiful one in West Michigan, and I’m sure many of you are planning to celebrate with family and friends at parties, picnics, parades, barbecues, and fireworks. These family activities with awe and beauty bring joy to many of us, but for your pets, it can be the most terrifying time of the year. “Pets are sensitive to loud noises, bright flashing lights, and strong smells,” says Dr. Steve McBride of Cascade Hospital for Animals. “All of these elements are present around July 4th, during fireworks shows that take place over a number of nights.”

Before you head out to enjoy the day, take a look at our four tips to keep your pets happy and healthy during the July 4th holiday.

It is a beautiful spring morning in West Michigan. You are enjoying your morning coffee watching the birds at the feeder in your backyard, and he shows up. A disheveled looking squirrel disrupting the serenity of the morning. Some may “shoo” him away; however, many others call us asking for advice on how to help the little guy out.

Ticks that starved all winter in West Michigan began to swarm throughout woods in early March during our warm spell in search of hosts. One dog owner in Lowell Township discovered this attached tick on his pet after taking a stroll through his wooded yard last month.