Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will hold its annual Open House on Saturday, April 20, opening its facilities to the public to showcase the variety of professional opportunities available and allow people to learn more about animal care and health.

The free student-organized event, from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m., features a variety of educational and fun activities for all ages on the college’s campus, located at 1130 Wire Road.

“Open House is a wonderful opportunity for those who love animals to come and get an inside view of the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Kris Street, an outreach programs administrator with the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“At Open House, you can come and see both the teaching and clinical side of the College of Veterinary Medicine,” said Ray Wilhite, laboratory coordinator for the college’s Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. “This behind-the-scenes look is something usually not available.”

High school and college students will have the opportunity to talk with counselors about veterinary medicine throughout the day. A special session at 10:30 a.m. in the Overton Educational Wing will cover admission requirements and career opportunities.

Several featured programs will be held on the CVM campus. An educational program featuring birds of prey by the college’s Southeastern Raptor Center will begin at 10 a.m. in the lameness arena by the Large Animal Teaching Hospital; followed by a canine parade of breeds at 11 a.m. in front of Greene Hall. At 1 p.m., a demonstration will be held showcasing dogs trained to detect explosives, also on the front lawn of Greene Hall.

Other family activities will run throughout the day, including the popular Teddy Bear Surgery, where children can help veterinary students practice their surgical skills; a petting zoo and a showcase of exotic animals; bovine and equine display of breeds; pocket pets; face painting; and a paleontology dig.

An informational scavenger hunt will help children learn as they explore exhibits around the college and educational demonstrations will include ultrasound, radiographs, pathology and the anatomy lab.

Attendees are requested to leave pets at home.

For more information on Open House, call (334) 844-2685 or visit www.vetmed.auburn.edu/open-house.

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Contact: Janet McCoy, College of Veterinary Medicine, (334) 844-3698 (mccoyjl@auburn.edu).

About Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine

The country's seventh oldest veterinary school and the oldest in the South, Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is one of the nation's preeminent institutions for research, teaching, diagnostics, and comprehensive medical care for large and small animals. The mission of the college is to prepare individuals for careers of excellence in veterinary medicine, including private and public practice, industrial medicine, academics and research. The college has 125 faculty members and a current enrollment of 487 DVM and graduate students. Online: www.vetmed.auburn.edu.