1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
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What ASAV Hospital Accreditation Means for Cat Specialist Services
Excellence is rarely the result of a single achievement. It comes from countless decisions, consistent processes and a commitment to continually raising the bar. Cat Specialist Services is proud to hold ASAV Hospital Accreditation following a comprehensive independent assessment against nationally recognised hospital standards. The criteria consider every part of hospital operations, from clinical care through to the systems that support it.
This cat specialist hospital was established to fulfil a long-held dream of creating a dedicated medical sanctuary just for cats. Knowing they have unique physiology and needs compared with dogs, I wanted them to receive expert care from people who understand them, with the best possible chance of a good outcome. Official recognition is only one part of the bigger picture, but it is an important one.
Here’s what it means for us, referring vets and cat owners.
What is ASAV Hospital Accreditation?
The Australian Small Animal Veterinarians (ASAV) Accredited Veterinary Hospital Scheme is a voluntary scheme administered by ASAV, a special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association. It is designed to provide a benchmark and encourage continuous improvement across the profession.
As mentioned, the assessment looks at the hospital as a whole, not just one area of practice. Rather than recognising the work of an individual veterinarian, accreditation acknowledges the combined contribution of the people, facilities, equipment and procedures that support patient care throughout the hospital.
The standards have been developed specifically for companion animal hospitals by veterinarians with expertise in this space. They are reviewed periodically so they can be updated as animal medicine, hospital procedures and accepted standards of care evolve.
What does a hospital need to demonstrate?
The accreditation process begins well before an assessor’s visit. Prior to applying, hospitals work through the standards in detail and compare every aspect of their operations with the specified requirements. This involves examining clinical protocols, patient records, infection control procedures, workplace safety, equipment, facilities and other daily systems that support patient care. If there are any areas that could benefit from improvement, they can be addressed before the formal application is lodged.
As part of the submission, hospitals provide a wide range of supporting documentation, including diagnostic images, floor plans, isolation procedures and nursing manuals. An independent veterinary assessor reviews this material before attending an on-site inspection to observe hospital operations, examine records and speak with staff, before preparing a report for the accreditation committee.
When a hospital is successful, it is formally advised of the outcome and any conditions that may apply. Achieving accreditation is an important milestone, but maintaining those standards is an ongoing responsibility. At Cat Specialist Services, our commitment to providing exceptional feline care has always existed independently of accreditation. But the recognition acknowledges the work our team puts into maintaining those standards every day.
Why does accreditation matter for a cat specialist hospital?
Hospital accreditation is valuable in any veterinary setting, but as a feline specialist hospital, many of the patients referred to us have complex medical conditions requiring advanced diagnostics, intensive nursing, input from multiple disciplines, and, often, longer admission stays. The more complex the case, the more important it is that the systems throughout the hospital operate consistently.
Accreditation also recognises the quality of the hospital as an environment.
Being purpose-built for cats means our workflows, physical environment, ward layout, routines and handling practices were all planned around the specific needs of felines from the outset.
And beyond the building and physical environment, every member of our team works exclusively with cats. That means our veterinarians and nurses have extensive experience in feline handling, behaviour and patient care. This influences every stage of a cat’s stay, from admission through to monitoring, treatment and ongoing support, with every effort made to reduce stress wherever possible.
It’s important to note that specialist expertise and hospital accreditation are different things. One is about the knowledge and qualifications of individual veterinarians, and at CSS, we are fortunate to have multiple feline medicine specialists. The other measures the hospital’s ability to consistently support the work of those specialists.
What accreditation means for cat owners and referring veterinarians
One of the main purposes of hospital accreditation is to provide independent reassurance. Rather than relying on a hospital’s own assessment of its standards, both cat owners and referring veterinarians can be confident that an external expert has independently assessed the way it operates.
For cat owners wanting answers for complex medical issues, an accredited hospital can provide additional confidence during what is often a very stressful time. From diagnosis through to treatment and recovery, it offers comfort and peace of mind knowing that every stage of a cat’s care is supported by the same commitment to quality and consistency.
For referring veterinarians, that reliability is equally important. We know you want to ensure every patient receives the appropriate care and the best possible chance of recovery. That’s why knowing the specialist provider has been independently verified is incredibly valuable.
We’re committed to continually raising the standards of feline care
Accreditation is an important milestone, but it is not an endpoint. Veterinary medicine continues to evolve, and so do the ways specialist hospitals care for their patients. At Cat Specialist Services, we’ll continue looking for opportunities to learn, improve and invest in the people, knowledge and resources that help us provide the very best healthcare for cats.
We offer specialist consultations, advanced diagnostics, treatment and ongoing management in a feline-exclusive hospital.
If you have concerns about your cat, please contact our team.
Vets can refer patients here.
"Hospital accreditation provides independent reassurance that every aspect of care has been assessed against nationally recognised standards."
Are you worried about your cat’s health?
If you are concerned about your cat, please reach out to our friendly team. Call us on 1300 228 377 or fill out the contact form below. In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
For vets – to refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation, please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form.
Meet The Author
Dr Rachel Korman
Specialist in Feline Internal Medicine
BVSc MANZCVS (Internal Medicine) FANZCVS (Feline Medicine)
Dr. Korman’s childhood love for cats led her to veterinary medicine, and early on, it was clear that feline care was her calling. After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2000, she worked in small animal and feline-only practices across Australia and the UK.
She received a Senior Clinical Training Scholarship from the Feline Advisory Bureau (now International Cat Care) at the University of Bristol, where she researched feline infectious and haematological diseases, and in 2018, became a Fellow of the Feline Medicine Chapter of the Australian New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a registered Feline Medicine specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ASAV Hospital Accreditation involve for a feline hospital?
ASAV Hospital Accreditation is a voluntary assessment that examines the hospital as a whole rather than focusing on an individual veterinarian. It reviews areas including clinical protocols, patient records, infection control, workplace safety, equipment and the procedures that support feline health care throughout the hospital.
Why is hospital accreditation important for cats with complex medical conditions?
Many cats referred to a specialist hospital require advanced diagnostics, intensive nursing and ongoing management. Independent accreditation provides reassurance that the hospital has been assessed against nationally recognised standards, supporting consistent care throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Does hospital accreditation assess individual veterinary specialists?
No. Hospital accreditation evaluates the overall operation of the hospital rather than the qualifications of individual veterinarians. Specialist expertise and hospital accreditation are different, with one recognising individual knowledge and the other assessing the hospital’s ability to support that work consistently.
How does hospital accreditation benefit cat owners?
For cat owners facing complex feline health concerns, accreditation provides additional confidence during what can be a stressful experience. It offers independent reassurance that the hospital has been assessed against recognised standards and that every stage of a cat’s care is supported by established procedures and a commitment to quality.
Why does hospital accreditation matter to referring veterinarians?
When referring complex feline cases, veterinarians need confidence that their patients will receive appropriate care in a well-supported hospital environment. Independent accreditation provides additional reassurance that the specialist provider has been assessed against nationally recognised hospital standards.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Key Takeaways
ASAV Hospital Accreditation independently assesses the people, procedures and facilities.
Accreditation is especially valuable for hospitals like CSS managing complex cat health conditions.
Independent accreditation provides additional reassurance for both cat owners and referring veterinarians.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed