Texas A&M CVM Gears Up for Annual Veterinary School Open House
Story by Megan Myers, CVMBS Communications
As veterinary students prepare for the 27th annual Veterinary School Open House at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM), anticipation is building among local animal lovers of all ages.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, members of the public will be welcomed into the CVM’s Veterinary & Biomedical Education Complex (VBEC), Small Animal Hospital (SAH), and Large Animal Hospital (LAH) for a fun day of free activities.
Along with the chance to meet 50 different species of animals, Open House attendees can expect many unique experiences, including teddy bear surgery, Bryan police dog demonstrations, and a visit from the Houston Mounted Patrol.
In the main hall of the VBEC’s VENI Building, groups including the Winnie Carter Wildlife Center, the Texas Veterinary Medical Foundation (TVMF), and the student organization Aggies Fostering Hope will be hosting informational booths to introduce the public to their causes.
This hall will also feature animal-themed artwork by children and teens in kindergarten through 12th grade from across the country.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet and take photos with the First Lady of Aggieland, Miss Reveille.
Throughout the day, visitors can learn about some of the many hospital services and innovative treatments offered to patients of the Texas A&M Small and Large Animal Hospitals during educational tours and demonstrations, all organized and run by veterinary student volunteers.
The SAH will offer three tour options, for which guests can pre-register. Though pre-registration is not required, it is recommended, as the spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To pre-register for a tour, email OHSAHCoordinators@cvm.tamu.edu with a name, the number of adults/children in the group, and what time the group would like to tour.
Walk ups will also be welcome for both the SAH and LAH tours, with spots being filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The first Veterinary School Open House was held in 1993 and has grown to serve an average of 8,000 attendees each year. Open House relies solely on volunteer efforts and is made possible by the planning of a team of dedicated student officers.
“More than 80 veterinary students work year-round to coordinate all of the different exhibits and demonstrations for this one exciting day,” said Open House co-director Stephanie Hill, a third-year veterinary student. “It is truly a collaborative effort that wouldn’t be possible without the passion our classmates have for our profession and for giving back to the next generation of Aggie veterinarians.”
“We love this event, as we get to connect with our community and show them why we love veterinary medicine and this college,” said Tori Chambers, Open House co-director and third-year veterinary student.
From a puppy kissing booth to a veterinary student Q&A, the Veterinary School Open House has something to offer for everyone.
For more information about the event, including frequently asked questions, visit vetmed.tamu.edu/openhouse, or follow the event on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and announcements.
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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences; jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu; 979-862-4216
