Alumna-Owned Clinic Receives AAHA Practice of the Year Award

The ZimmVet team outside the clinic in Zimmerman, Minnesota.

ZimmVet, a veterinary clinic owned by UW School of Veterinary Medicine alumna Maria Krenz DVM’06, has been named the 2021 AAHA-Accredited Practice of the Year by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

AAHA is the only organization in the United States and Canada that accredits companion animal hospitals based on standards that go above and beyond state and provincial regulations. Only 12-15% of veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada hold AAHA accreditation, making it a marker for exceptional care across all aspects of veterinary medicine.

The AAHA-Accredited Practice of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of accredited practice teams and celebrates ongoing advancements in veterinary medicine.

Krenz’s practice, located in Zimmerman, Minnesota, has continuously demonstrated their commitment to providing high-quality veterinary care.

“While constantly rearranging normal business, ZimmVet also remained focused on providing the highest level of veterinary care, and continued to evolve, challenge their status quo and support their team and community.”

“At ZimmVet, we provide a high level of care while still giving the small clinic, personalized feel. We use the best veterinary medicine technology and stay on top of industry trends to give our clients the best possible care options,” said Krenz.

Krenz (right) accepts the AAHA Practice of the Year Award.

Krenz credits her time at the UW School of Veterinary Medicine for helping to set the base for her veterinary medical, management and leadership skills, all of which have been key factors in allowing her to become a successful practice owner.

Over the past year, the ZimmVet team — which includes fellow SVM graduate Abby Soderberg DVM’18 — has worked collaboratively to solve challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including product shortages, staffing shortages and personal safety concerns.

“While constantly rearranging normal business, ZimmVet also remained focused on providing the highest level of veterinary care, and continued to evolve, challenge their status quo and support their team and community,” said AAHA Western Regional Manager Anthony Merkle, CVT, who led the award selection committee.

“We are truly honored to be recognized as the top AAHA-accredited veterinary practice for 2021. This award belongs to all of our incredible staff, who truly go above and beyond every day to provide a positive veterinary experience.”

The ZimmVet team accepted this prestigious award during Connexity by AAHA, the association’s annual conference, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

“We are truly honored to be recognized as the top AAHA-accredited veterinary practice for 2021,” said Krenz. “This award belongs to all of our incredible staff, who truly go above and beyond every day to provide a positive veterinary experience. Thank you to the Zimmerman and surrounding community who have supported our journey.”

ZimmVet is looking forward to a building expansion in 2022, as well as continuing to grow their team, develop an on-the-job technician training program and explore new technologies to remain an exemplary provider of veterinary care for their clients.


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