Our Affiliation with Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Iowa Veterinary Specialties (IVS) is proud to be an affiliate of the Iowa State University (ISU) College of Veterinary Medicine and the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center (LVMC). This unique partnership connects our 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital in Des Moines with one of the top veterinary teaching hospitals in the country.
Together, IVS and ISU’s Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center provide a continuum of advanced veterinary care that combines university-level expertise, real-world emergency medicine, and specialty services for pets and exotic animals.
Visit ISU College of Veterinary Medicine
A Shared Mission of Excellence
Our affiliation is built on a shared commitment to:
- Advancing veterinary medicine through clinical excellence, research, and education.
- Delivering compassionate, high-quality care to patients and their families.
- Training future veterinarians by offering hands-on clinical experiences within a busy emergency and specialty practice.
By linking the resources of a leading academic institution with the responsiveness of a private 24/7 hospital, this partnership benefits pets, clients, referring veterinarians, and the veterinary community as a whole.
What IVS Provides
IVS is a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital located in Des Moines, Iowa. We provide:
- Emergency and critical care services, day and night
- Advanced diagnostics (CT, endoscopy, ultrasound, in-house laboratory)
- Specialty consultations (e.g., surgery, internal medicine, ophthalmology)
- Medical boarding for pets requiring specialized care
- Supportive care for referred patients and post-procedure management
Our experienced emergency doctors, specialists, and technicians work collaboratively to deliver personalized, timely, and high-quality care.
What ISU and the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center Provide
Located on the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine campus in Ames, the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center is a world-class teaching hospital that offers:
- Advanced specialty and referral services, including oncology, cardiology, advanced surgery, neurology, and more
- Consultation and treatment by ISU faculty specialists and residents
- Cutting-edge research and access to clinical trials
- Veterinary student and resident training programs
- Specialty services not available at most private practices
The LVMC is often the next step for patients needing highly specialized procedures or advanced diagnostics beyond what is typically performed in a private emergency hospital.
Benefits of Our Partnership
For clients, this partnership offers the best of both worlds:
- Seamless referrals between IVS and LVMC for advanced specialty care
- Access to a broader network of experts, including ISU faculty specialists
- Continuity of care from initial emergency to referral treatment and follow-up
- Trusted collaboration, backed by ISU’s academic excellence and IVS’s around-the-clock availability
Navigating Care Between IVS & LVMC
If your pet’s care involves both IVS and ISU/LVMC:
- IVS typically serves as the first point of contact for emergencies, urgent care, and specialty services in the Des Moines metro area.
- LVMC may be involved for specialized procedures, complex cases, or advanced specialty services that require university-level expertise.
- IVS clinicians and ISU faculty communicate directly to ensure a smooth transition, shared medical records, and consistent treatment plans.
This close collaboration ensures your pet receives comprehensive, coordinated care from start to finish.