- CSU to open 213,000-square-foot veterinary hospital complex this summer
- Designed to improve patient experience and reduce stress for animals
- Features species-specific waiting areas and dedicated care pathways
- Expands primary care training for veterinary students
- Enhances emergency, critical care, and specialty services
- Focuses on staff wellbeing with wellness-centered design
Colorado State University is preparing to open a new Veterinary Hospital and Education Complex (VHEC), a major investment aimed at transforming how veterinary care is delivered and experienced by both patients and clients.
The 213,000-square-foot facility, set to open this summer, will significantly expand the university’s clinical capabilities while modernizing its approach to veterinary education and patient care.
Designed Around the Patient Experience
A key focus of the new hospital is reducing stress for animals and their owners. The facility features separate entrances for primary care, emergency services, and specialty care, along with species-specific waiting areas for cats, dogs, and exotic animals.
Design elements such as calming color schemes, elevated spaces for carriers, and physical dividers between animals aim to create a more comfortable and controlled environment from the moment clients arrive.
Enhancing Clinical Care and Training
The complex will house a wide range of services, including emergency and critical care, dentistry, ophthalmology, pharmacy, and expanded primary care offerings. The upgrade also supports changes to CSU’s veterinary curriculum, increasing hands-on primary care training for students.
University leaders say the new facility will better align physical infrastructure with the high level of clinical expertise already present at CSU.
Improving Workflow and Outcomes
The design introduces operational improvements such as dedicated isolation entrances for infectious cases, improved visibility in treatment areas, and private spaces for client interactions during critical moments.
These changes are expected to enhance efficiency for clinical teams while improving care delivery and communication with pet owners.
Supporting Veterinary Teams
Beyond patient care, the facility places a strong emphasis on staff wellbeing. Features include natural lighting, quiet rest areas, outdoor spaces, and on-site amenities designed to support mental and physical health.
The building is also being considered for WELL certification, which would make it the first veterinary hospital in the U.S. to meet the standard focused on health-centered building design.
A Long-Term Investment in Veterinary Medicine
The $230 million project represents the first phase of a broader master plan to expand and modernize CSU’s veterinary facilities. Future phases will continue to enhance clinical spaces and educational environments.
University leaders say the new complex will serve as a model for veterinary hospitals nationwide, combining advanced care delivery with a more thoughtful, patient- and provider-centered design.
Information sourced from the Colorado State University article.
