Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for our annual Open House—a special opportunity to explore the field of veterinary medicine. This free event is open to the public, and no registration is required.
As the state’s only veterinary medical college with a teaching hospital, the UF College of Veterinary Medicine is proud to open its doors to the public for this special day. Explore our facilities, learn about the latest advancements in animal healthcare, and discover the ways in which we’re improving the health and welfare of animals, humans, and the veterinary medical profession through world-class education, innovative research, and cutting-edge clinical services.
Your day will be filled with exciting activities:
- Tour the Small and Large Animal Hospitals
- Live animal demonstrations showcasing the latest veterinary techniques
- Canine aquatherapy sessions
- A horse ultrasound demonstration
- Prize giveaways
- Practice your skills in our cow-milking trailer
- Delicious food from local food trucks
- A visit to our Teddy Bear Clinic, where you can bring your stuffed animal for a fun and interactive lesson on basic first aid and sewing skills
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from our experts about pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, and gain valuable insights into the field.
Join us for an unforgettable day of fun, learning, and adventure!
Plan Your Day
Timed Demonstrations
- At the Veterinary Academic Building
- 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: What it Takes to Get into Vet School (Located in the Veterinary Academic Auditorium)
- 12:00 – 1:00 PM: For College Students – Admissions FAQ (Located in the Veterinary Academic Auditorium)
- 1:30 – 2:30 PM: Student Panel Q&A (English) (Located in the Veterinary Academic Auditorium)
- 1:30 – 2:30 PM: Student Panel Q&A (Spanish) (Located in Lecture Hall A)
- At the Small Animal Hospital
- 10:30 AM: Canine Cardiac Ultrasound
- 11:00 AM: Neurologic Physical Exam
- 11:00 AM: Canine Underwater Treadmill
- 11:30 AM: Marine Mammal Rescue (Located outside on the front lawn)
- 11:30 AM: Mock Surgery
- 12:00 PM: Neurologic Physical Exam
- 12:30 PM: Marine Mammal Rescue (Located outside on the front lawn)
- 1:00 PM: Canine Pool
- 1:30 PM: Marine Mammal Rescue (Located outside on the front lawn)
- 1:30 PM: Neurologic Physical Exam
- 2:00 PM: Mock Surgery
- 2:00 PM: Canine Underwater Treadmill
- 2:30 PM: Canine Cardiac Ultrasound
- 2:30 PM: Marine Mammal Rescue (Located outside on the front lawn)
- At the Large Animal Hospital
- 11:00 AM: Equine Lameness Workup with Riding Demonstration
- 12:00 PM: Equine Colic Ultrasound
- 1:00 PM: Equine Colic Ultrasound
- 2:00 PM: Equine Lameness Workup with Riding Demonstration
All-Day Activities & More
We have all-day activities inside and outside of our Small Animal Hospital, Large Animal Hospital, Primary Care & Dentistry, and at our Veterinary Academic Building.
Last but not least, download our event app for the times of demonstrations, all-day activities by our hospital services, student organizations, and community organizations, maps & so much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Open House?
Our Open House & Community Outreach Event is on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the campus of the UF College of Veterinary Medicine, 2015 SW 16th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32608.Who’s invited?
Everyone is welcome to learn about the exciting world of veterinary medicine. We have a wide range of activities, from fun games for little kids to hands-on demos for pre-vet college students.Do I need to register?
There’s NO registration and NO cost to attend. Open House is FREE and open to the public!Can I bring my pet with me?
Personal pets are not permitted at Open House. Please leave your furry friends at home!Where can I find a complete schedule of talks and demonstrations?
The best way to learn about all the activities is by downloading our event app.Will I be able to attend every talk and see every demo?
We encourage you to plan your day in advance so you can participate to the fullest. As we’ve grown, so have our activities! For the safety of our animals, some events have capacity limits. Our most popular “How To Get Into Vet School” talk is repeated throughout the day.
Is this event accessible for all people?
The UFCVM welcomes participants of all abilities. Please contact us to discuss accessibility arrangements.Need a sensory break?
A quiet room is available in the Small Animal Hospital. Visit the front desk of the Small Animal Hospital Atrium to request access.Can my non-profit have a table at Open House?
Community support is what makes Open House such a fun event. We invite non-profit organizations with a focus on animals, education, agriculture, science, or OneHealth to contact us by February 21. Please note we encourage you to bring flyers and recruit volunteers; campus regulations prohibit non-UF groups from collecting donations or selling merchandise at this event.Can I take pictures during Open House?
Absolutely! We hope you’ll tag us, too! #UFvetmed, @UFvetmed on Facebook, and @VetMedFlorida on InstagramWhat if I am separated from my child or lose my phone?
Open House covers more than 200,000 square feet throughout four buildings. The College has dedicated security staff for emergencies during Open House. A central lost-and-found area is located at the front desk of the Small Animal Hospital Atrium.
UF College of Veterinary Medicine Videos
“How To Get Into Vet School” with a pre-vet advisor and Class of 2022 students
Watch our video from a past Open House to see all the cool activities.