PetVet365 earns autism center designation across eight Pittsburgh hospitals

PetVet365 has become the first group of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. to earn Certified Autism Center designation, with eight Pittsburgh locations meeting IBCCES standards after staff training and an onsite accessibility review. The move expands sensory-friendly care for autistic and sensory-sensitive pet owners and adds the hospitals to IBCCES accessibility tools.

Why it matters: - PetVet365 is now the first group of veterinary hospitals in the U.S. to earn Certified Autism Center™ designation. - The certification is aimed at making veterinary visits easier for autistic and sensory-sensitive pet owners and their families. - The recognition adds a formal accessibility framework to pet care, an area where anxious environments can make visits harder for some families.

What happened: - IBCCES awarded the Certified Autism Center™ designation to eight PetVet365 hospitals in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. - The certified locations are Cranberry, Fox Chapel, North Fayette, Ross Park, Shadyside, South Hills, Wilkins Township and Strip District. - At least 80% of client-facing staff at those hospitals completed specialized autism and sensory training. - IBCCES conducted an onsite review at PetVet365 South Hills.

The details: - The onsite review at PetVet365 South Hills was used to create sensory guides and provide additional accessibility recommendations. - PetVet365 offers sensory kits for visitors when available. - The kits may include noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools, weighted blankets and other sensory support items. - All Pittsburgh-area PetVet365 locations are listed on the free IBCCES Accessibility App. - The app provides real-time guidance on certified destinations, sensory-friendly spaces and tailored recommendations. - IBCCES also offers AccessibilityCertified.com and AutismTravel.com as free online tools for families. - Each organization listed on those sites has met IBCCES certification requirements.

Between the lines: - PetVet365 has positioned its hospitals around a Fear Free® model that reduces fear, anxiety and stress for pets. - The autism certification extends that approach to the human side of the visit. - The result is a more structured effort to improve communication, trust and comfort during care. - IBCCES frames the program as part of a broader push for inclusive access across healthcare, education, public safety, travel and corporate settings.

What's next: - PetVet365 will likely use the certification to reinforce its accessibility efforts across Pittsburgh. - The hospitals may continue adding sensory supports and updates based on IBCCES guidance. - Families can use IBCCES resources to find other certified locations and services as the network grows.

The bottom line: - PetVet365’s Pittsburgh hospitals now pair fear-reducing pet care with autism-focused accessibility for pet owners, setting a new national benchmark for veterinary hospitals.