Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS) has received Level 1 certification from the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS), distinguishing CUVS as a facility at the highest level of veterinary trauma, emergency, and critical care. CUVS is the only level-1 facility in the tri-state area and one of only 20 nationwide.

 VECCS certification identifies those hospitals that meet certain standards and guidelines. The goal is to raise the standard of care while also increasing public and professional awareness in the field of veterinary emergency and critical patient care. This certification program identifies three levels (I through III) based on numerous criteria including specialists, clinical staff, equipment, capabilities and operating hours.  

“VECCS certification is a terrific step forward for the specialty,” says Dr Susan Hackner, CUVS’ chief medical officer and chief operating officer. “It creates a set of standards to which facilities can aspire and work toward; and it enables pet owners to make educated decisions about their pet’s care, especially in emergent and critical situations in which these decisions can have significant impact.”

A Level I Emergency and Critical Care facility is a 24 hour acute care facility with the resources and specialty training necessary to provide sophisticated emergency and ICU  patient care.  CUVS operates 24/7. Three board-certified critical care specialists provide specialty care 365 days a year. This expertise is supplemented by experience overnight emergency doctors, an outstanding nursing staff with several veterinary technician specialists, and sophisticated in-house diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Other CUVS specialists are on-call 24/7 for emergency surgery, diagnostic imaging or consultation.

As the largest university-affiliated veterinary referral center in the country, CUVS redefines the delivery of veterinary specialty and emergency medicine by bringing together the best of specialty private practice with the best of academia to benefit pets, owners, and the profession. CUVS provides exceptional medical care by integrating the latest medical and scientific advances with personalized, collaborative and communicative service.

“The best outcomes are achieved through collaboration,” said Hackner. “Our goal is to work seamlessly with the pet’s family and their primary care veterinarian to offer the best possible medical options and solutions for each individual pet.”