UF veterinary college’s annual open house is April 9

The University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine’s open house will once again intrigue and entertain people of all ages during a day of educational demonstrations, tours and much more from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 9.

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, will take place throughout the day. The event will feature the Marion County Sheriff’s Office mounted patrol, as well as dog agility and equine treadmill demonstrations, emergency response demonstrations by the Florida State Agricultural Response Team, the Gypsy Gold Vanner horses, pre-veterinary school advisory sessions and much more.

New this year will be Chris P. Bacon, the celebrity pig who was born without hind legs and moves around with a wheeled harness. He will be greeting visitors throughout the day.

Kids can also bring their torn stuffed animals for repair at a teddy bear clinic and a food truck rally will feature local eateries.

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

Visit www.vetmed.ufl.edu for more information.

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