501(c)3 Status

ISU's Acquisition of IVS - Expanding Education and Veterinary Care

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine saw a valuable opportunity to further strengthen veterinary education and advance clinical care across the state, when approached by Iowa Veterinary Specialties shareholders about a potential acquisition.

With the investment in Iowa Veterinary Specialties, ISU ensured emergency and specialty care for companion animals in central Iowa while serving our veterinary students with larger and more diverse numbers of clinical experiences, including several specialty areas and working in a private practice that is open 24/7.

Students receive educational training from Iowa Veterinary Specialties and ISU College of Veterinary Medicine faculty, all of whom provide hands-on teaching opportunities to ensure our graduates are among the best in the nation.

IVS is operated through a university affiliate, ISU-Veterinary Services Corporation (ISU-VSC). Together, ISU’s Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, and Iowa Veterinary Specialties offer the an extensive and collaborative network of veterinary care and education in Iowa.

The Shift to Nonprofit: Iowa Veterinary Specialties’ 501(c)(3) Designation

Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s business decision to change Iowa Veterinary Specialties’ status to a nonprofit corporation is based on the clinic’s educational focus.

Just as with all veterinary clinics and for-profit corporations, there are significant costs incurred in running a business. Iowa Veterinary Specialties is focused on providing high-quality emergency and specialty care for our patients. Iowa Veterinary Specialties' nonprofit status reflects its mission-driven model, but it is not a charitable organization; rather, operating for public purposes, not for private gain. Any net revenues can be used to improve veterinary services for patients and enhance the practice of veterinary medicine in Iowa.