New CSU Veterinary Hospital Opens in Fort Collins
The $230 million complex increases local patient capacity for pet owners and improves access to specialized care.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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Colorado State University officially opened its $230 million Veterinary Hospital and Educational Complex in Fort Collins on October 1, 2026. The 213,000-square-foot facility expands capacity to 42,000 patients annually and supports the new Ascend DVM curriculum.
Why it matters
This expansion addresses the growing demand for specialized animal care in the region by increasing student enrollment by 20%. The facility provides increased access to advanced veterinary diagnostics and specialized treatment options for pet owners in Northern Colorado.
The 213,000-square-foot facility at 300 W. Drake Road features 24 new examination rooms and supports 25 veterinary specialties. The hospital is staffed by more than 700 employees and aims to accommodate 30 additional students per year.
The players
Colorado State University
A public research university in Fort Collins known for its high-ranking veterinary medicine and agricultural programs.
CSU Veterinary Health Systems
The provider network operating the hospital that employs over 700 medical staff and support personnel.
The details
The hospital houses the Ascend DVM curriculum, which features a block-scheduled system that introduces first-year students to direct patient care early in their training. This curriculum focuses on specific body systems, allowing students to bridge the gap between classroom theory and clinical application more effectively. The new infrastructure facilitates this hands-on training while concurrently increasing the diagnostic bandwidth for local pets.
Timeline
October 1, 2026: The hospital held its grand-opening ceremony.
The Home Front
This facility represents a significant shift toward integrated veterinary education models that emphasize earlier clinical exposure for students. It underscores a broader trend of large-scale investments in regional medical infrastructure to meet the rising demand for comprehensive pet healthcare.
Local pet owners should note that this facility at 300 W. Drake Road provides expanded capacity for 25 different veterinary specialties. If your pet requires specialized care, speak with your primary veterinarian about a referral to this new complex for diagnostic or advanced treatment needs.
The takeaway
The new complex provides Northern Colorado residents with significantly increased access to high-level diagnostic testing for household pets. Pet owners should keep the hospital location at 300 W. Drake Road on file as a resource for specialized care beyond standard wellness visits.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet health services by visiting the Veterinary Medicine page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Fort Morgan Times.
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