Cornell University Veterinary Specialists (CUVS), a satellite referral and 24-hour emergency care hospital, officially opened its doors today, Jan. 14, at 880 Canal Street in Stamford, Conn.

The facility leverages the resources of Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine with those that the best of specialty private practice can offer for the benefit of pets, owners and the veterinary profession.

At CUVS, board-certified specialists will offer high-end treatments and procedures and a variety of continuing education opportunities for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and pet owners. CUVS also will specialize in orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology and advanced imaging. Additional services will be added over time, in consultation with referring veterinarians. CUVS will not engage in general practice -- it will not offer vaccines, checkups or boarding services -- but will only accept emergency cases or referrals from other veterinarians for specialized care.

"As the largest university-affiliated veterinary specialty and emergency hospital in the nation, we are committed to providing the most sophisticated and compassionate patient care," said Susan Hackner, chief medical officer. "We will contribute to the advancement of companion animal medicine as well as being a good neighbor -- to our community and to the profession. Our aim is to combine the most advanced medical practice within a service-oriented, efficient and sustainable practice model."

CUVS is housed in a 20,000-square-foot building, as part of the $3 billion LEED-certified Harbor Point mixed-use urban redevelopment project. The facility includes a tiered auditorium and overnight rooms for rotating students and residents.

"This is an exciting and innovative initiative for Cornell and one that will combine the best elements of private practice and advanced, discovery-based medicine," said Michael Kotlikoff, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell.

For more information about CUVS and the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell, visit http://www.cuvs.org/.

Stephanie Specchio is director of communications at the Vet College.