The UFCVM welcomes participants of all abilities. Please contact Rachel DiSesa at rdisesa@ufl.edu to discuss accessibility arrangements.
Need a sensory break? A quiet room is available in the Small Animal Hospital. Just come to the front desk for access.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Open House?
Our Open House & Community Outreach Event typically is hosted in the spring 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!
What will I get to see?
The schedule changes slightly from year to year. Click here to download the 2023 program (subject to change).
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. Click here to download the 2023 Open House event app (subject to updates).
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.
My dog is really well-behaved and loves children. Can he come with me to Open House?
For the safety of our patients and guests, we ask that all pets stay at home for this event. Pets may not remain in a parked car at any time. Additionally, if you’ve traveled to a foreign country and had contact with animals within one week of Open House, we ask that you contact us at rdisesa@ufl.edu to discuss biosecurity risks.
What if I am separated from my child or lose my phone?
Open House covers more than 200,000 SF 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.
Can I take pictures during Open House?
Absolutely! We hope you’ll get social and tag us, too! #UFvetmed @UFvetmed
What if I get hungry?
We’re proud to feature local eateries at our food truck rally. You are also encouraged to bring a sack lunch and have a picnic on our beautiful campus. Free water stations are available as well, so bring your own reusable water bottle!
I’m part of an awesome organization. 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 rdisesa@ufl.edu by March 1. 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.
I can’t believe I missed Open House this year! Can I visit another time?
Click here for a virtual visit to the College of Veterinary Medicine!
We offer pre-vet advising sessions for college students throughout the year. Please visit our Veterinary Education page to find out how to sign up.
Watch our virtual “How To Get Into Vet School” talk with a pre-vet advisor and Class of 2022 student panelists!
Updated March 24, 2023