Day of learning planned at UF veterinary college’s annual open house April 12

A longtime community tradition, the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Open House will intrigue and entertain audiences of all ages during a full day of educational demonstrations, tours and much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12.

The event is free and open to the public. It is organized by third-year UF veterinary students with support from the college and various sponsors. Snacks and College of Veterinary Medicine merchandise will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting UF veterinary students.

Numerous educational exhibits and demonstrations, as well as tours of the UF Veterinary Hospitals, are scheduled throughout the day. This year’s program includes the Gainesville Police Department’s Mounted Unit, K-9 and dog agility demonstrations, “How to Get into Veterinary School” lectures, pet adoptions featuring animals from local rescue groups, and more.

New to the open house this year are the therapy horses of Gentle Carousel. These miniature horses travel the world visiting hospitals and hospice programs to offer comfort to more than 25,000 adults and children each year who have experienced traumatic events. The Gentle Carousel mini-horses were first responders after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Kids can bring their torn stuffed animals for repair at a teddy bear clinic and enjoy free ice cream from Sweet Dreams Creamery, games, prizes and activities for all.

The college is located at 2015 SW 16th Ave., Gainesville.

Visit www.vetmed.ufl.edu for more information as it becomes available.

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine is supported through funding from UF Health and the UF Institute of Food of Agricultural Sciences (IFAS).