Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Open House April 18 to showcase educational opportunities

Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine will hold its annual open house on Saturday, April 18, 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 1 p.m., features a variety of educational and fun activities for all ages on the college's campus, located at 1130 Wire Road in Auburn.

"Open House is a fun and educational 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.

The event is planned and organized by veterinary students as a community outreach program. More than 200 professional students volunteer to showcase the college.

"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 students will have the opportunity to talk with counselors about veterinary medicine, with a 10:30 a.m. session for those who have an interest in veterinary medicine in Overton Auditorium of the Veterinary Education Center. The session will be led by Dr. Dan Givens, associate dean for academic affairs, and will provide an overview of admission requirements and career opportunities.

Featured programs on the veterinary medicine campus will include:

• 9 a.m., Canine Performance Sciences' Detector Dog demonstration, Greene Hall lawn

• 10:15 a.m., a Canine Parade of Breeds, Greene Hall lawn

• Noon, Southeastern Raptor Center educational program, Greene Hall lawn

Other activities will run 8:30 a.m. until noon, including:

• Tours of the College of Veterinary Medicine, showcasing laboratories, the Auburn University Teaching Hospitals for both large and small animals

• Teddy bear surgery, where children can assist veterinary students practice their surgical skills by repairing stuffed animals (bring your own), second floor of the Veterinary Education Center

• A petting zoo in Bartlett Arena

• A showcase of exotic animals, Greene Hall

• An equine display of breeds, Bartlett Lameness Arena

• A paleontology dig, Bartlett Arena.

Maps will be distributed the day of the event, with specific locations and program times.

Attendees are requested to leave pets at home.