New governance council brings continuity and an open, annual process to the financial classification standard used to benchmark veterinary practices, and invites industry participation at veterinarychartofaccounts.com.

JOHNS CREEK, Ga., Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Veterinary Management Groups (VMG) today announced the formation of the VMG-AAHA Chart of Accounts Council, a standing body charged with maintaining the VMG-AAHA Companion Animal Chart of Accounts as a living document, updated on a predictable annual cycle through an open and transparent process.

The VMG-AAHA Chart of Accounts is the financial classification standard used to benchmark veterinary practices across the industry. The establishment of the Council signifies a commitment to revisions on a consistent annual cadence, a public record of every proposed change, and a clear way for practitioners, accountants, bookkeepers, and practice managers to participate.

"The Chart of Accounts has been the financial backbone of veterinary benchmarking, but it has not always had a clear path for staying current. This Council changes that," said Matthew Salois, PhD, President of VMG. "Our goal is to make the VMG-AAHA Chart of Accounts a living document, maintained on a predictable schedule and shaped in the open by the people who use it. Continuity is the point. Practices, accountants, and software providers should know when changes are coming, how they were decided, and where to weigh in."

Under the new process, submissions are accepted year-round and considered in two review periods each year. The Council's intent is meaningful, incremental improvement over time, not wide-ranging change every year. Approved changes are compiled and communicated by July 31, followed by a 60-day notice period during which the industry can review and discuss them. The Council confirms the changes for the coming year by October 15, and they take effect the following January 1. The next round of changes will be completed for implementation in January 2028, as the 2028 Chart of Accounts. Every submission and its outcome is recorded in a public log that anyone can search and download.

"AAHA's mission is to strengthen the systems of care that enable animal hospitals, veterinary professionals, and pet owners to improve pets' lives. Financial clarity is central to achieving that goal," said Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO, Chief Executive Officer of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). "A standardized chart of accounts lets practices see how they are truly performing and make better decisions as a result. AAHA is committed to supporting this work so that every practice, regardless of size, can use a common financial language to strengthen and advance its business."

The founding Council comprises Jeff Godwin, DVM, partner at Animal Medical Clinic in Melbourne, Florida; Beth Scott, CPA, Partner at KSM; Martin Traub-Werner, Founder and CEO of VetBooks; and Dr. Jenifer Wieneke, DVM owner at East Hills Veterinary Clinic and Red Bank Veterinary Hospital and member of AAHA Board of Directors.

The process overview, submission instructions, the current edition of the Chart of Accounts, and the public log are available at veterinarychartofaccounts.com. Industry members who work with the Chart of Accounts are invited to visit the site to review the process and submit proposed changes.

About Veterinary Management Groups (VMG)

Veterinary Management Groups is a membership community serving independent veterinary practice owners through peer groups, benchmarking, education, leadership development, and strategic resources designed to help practices thrive. Learn more about the benefits of membership at www.myvmg.com.

About the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)

Since 1933, the American Animal Hospital Association has been dedicated to improving the lives of pets, the people who care for them, and the veterinary professionals who serve them. AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary hospitals in North America, setting hundreds of rigorous standards for high-quality medicine and compassionate care. Because accreditation in veterinary medicine is voluntary, the AAHA-accredited logo is the most reliable indicator that a hospital has undergone independent evaluation. Today, AAHA is building on that foundation to become the most trusted and connected platform in animal health, bringing together all parts of the pet care ecosystem to strengthen the systems of excellent care. Look for the AAHA-accredited logo at your local hospital or find an accredited hospital near you today at aaha.org.

Media Contact

Carl Earl, Veterinary Management Groups, 1 678-395-3470, media@myvmg.com, https://www.myvmg.com

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SOURCE Veterinary Management Groups