Open House 2026
April 18, 2026 ▪︎ 10 a.m. — 3 p.m.
Discover how we're making a difference in the world of veterinary medicine and public health. Meet faculty, tour the college, learn about our programs, and enjoy food and activities. This is the perfect chance to explore how we can join hands in protecting and improving animal, human, and environmental health.
Golf carts will be available all day to shuttle participants from the parking lot to the front and back of the building.
10 a.m. ▪︎ Admissions Information Session
Classroom 100
A member of our admissions team will debunk common misinformation about being a competitive DVM applicant and will share the steps for applying to our DVM program. (Intended for prospective students who are in high school or older)
11 a.m. ▪︎ Veterinary Student Panel
Classroom 100
Hear stories from the source about daily life as a VMCVM DVM student.
10 a.m.- 1 p.m. ▪︎ Learn about Internal Medicine
Waterfall Room
Come visit our table for an opportunity to learn more about the Student Chapter of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and a chance to play Operation and leave with a prize... or prizes!
Ultrasound Demonstration and Radiology Matching Game
Classroom 102
Ever wondered what your pet looks like on the inside? Join the Imaging Club to see an interactive ultrasound simulator and play a game to guess what a dog ate!
Take a Tour
Commons
Exclusive access to the college's behind-the-scenes facilities and Veterinary Teaching Hospital! Led by students, tours leave the Commons every 15 minutes.
Merchandise Sales
Waterfall Room
Join VMCVM Clubs to purchase VMCVM branded items.
Stuffed Animal Adoption and Cow Model Palpations
Waterfall Room
Join the Theriogenology Club and "Adopt" a stuffed animal, color, and learn about cattle reproduction hands on.
Animal Origami
Waterfall Room
Make your favorite animal into origami at the Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals table! Plus, you can enter for a chance to win a horse plushie to celebrate the Year of the Horse!
Adoptable Pets and Animal Trivia
Waterfall Room
Come see who's available for adoption with Animal Welfare Foster Program (AWFP)! Learn more about animal rescue, fostering, and tips for bringing home a new family member. All merchandise benefits our rescue, providing temporary homes to animals in need.
So You Want to Buy Your Own Pet? Pet Ownership Simulation
Waterfall Room
The Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA) proudly hosts our pet adoption simulation to help educate the youth on responsible money management and pet ownership. Spin our wheel to determine your budget, then "adopt" your new furry friend! You'll make decisions on the start-up costs as well as ongoing, which leads you to start thinking about the future and the responsibility that comes with owning a pet!
Decorate a Scrub Cap
Waterfall Room
Join the student chapter of the National Association for Black Veterinarians to decorate a scrub cap of your own!
Photo Booth and Coloring Station
Waterfall Room
Hosted by the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association, this fun, family-friendly table invites children to dress up in lab coats and stethoscopes, snap a Polaroid photo, take some stickers, and enjoy animal-themed coloring pages in both English and Spanish.".
Oral Health
Join the Master of Public Health ambassadors to learn about how a healthy smile is an important part of overall wellness! This interactive activity focuses on the basics of oral health, including proper brushing and flossing techniques, the impact of diet on dental health, and tips for maintaining a healthy mouth.
Germ Tracker and Hand Washing
Ever wonder how easily germs spread? Join the Bachelor of Science in Public Health ambassadors for this interactive activity that offers a hands-on demonstration of how bacteria and viruses can travel from person to person and across surfaces. Participants will engage in a fun, visual exercise that highlights the importance of proper hand hygiene and everyday prevention practices.
How Much Sugar is in Your Drink?
Curious about how much sugar is really in your favorite beverages? Stop by this interactive activity to find out! Participants will have the opportunity to guess the sugar content of common drinks—from sodas and energy drinks to juices and specialty coffees—then see the actual amounts revealed in a visual and engaging way.
Rabies Information and Trivia
Come visit the New River Health District and learn more about Rabies and how it impacts ONE Health! Learn from our interactive animal/disease displays, flyers, and play interactive games to win a prize!
Meet and Greets
- Veterinary Clinical Research Office
- Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences
- Virginia Tech Therapy Dogs
- Virginia Veterinary Medical Association
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital Blood Bank (Outdoor-Front)
Cardiology Activities
Classroom 291
Come meet the Cardiology Team! Learn about common heart diseases in dogs, cats, and more! Look at the specialized equipment we use to treat heart disease in young patients.
Rock Painting
Classroom 121
Learn about wellness initiatives at VMCVM and enjoy a wellness activity with members of the Wellness Committee.
Exotic Animal Showcase
MDL 1
Join the Zoo, Exotic Pet, and Wildlife Club to learn about various exotic animals and discuss differences in exotic medicine & animal husbandry.
CPR Demonstration and Bandaging Station
MDL 1
Learn CPR and bandaging with the student chapter of the Veterinary Emergency Critical Care Society.
Microscope Slide Craft
MDL 2
Join the Pathology Club to learn what it is like to be a detective in solving the mystery of disease and learn what being a pathologist is all about!
Teddy Bear Repair
MDL 3
Learn more about suturing with Surgery Club by helping us with our Teddybear repair! You can bring in your own injured teddy bear for us to repair or we will have some you can bring home. Either way, we would love for you to join us and learn more about suturing!
Veterinary Technology
MDL 3
Do you know what a Veterinary Technician is and all they can do? Learn about Veterinary Technology as a career and exciting opportunities at the VTH. Practice hands-on nursing skills on our canine models!
10-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m. ▪︎ Horseshoe Making Demonstration and Display
If you've ever watched farrier videos online —now's your chance to see it live! Learn from our farrier's team the craft of trimming and shoeing horse hooves.
Truck Tour and Ear Tag Decoration
Meet with members of the Food Animal Practitioners Club and learn about the world of production management medicine (PMM) while you decorate an ear tag! See one of the PMM trucks we take when on the job visiting local farms!
Sheep Shenanigans
Meet sheep from full bucket farm, snap a selfie, and learn some baa-rilliant sheep facts!
VMCVM Alumni Clydesdale Team
Meet alum Robert Bell and the clydesdale team.
Equine Endoscope Demonstration
Come learn how equine vets see the inside of a horse's stomach. While here look at some horse's with their digestive tracts painted on them.
What's in your water and wastewater?
Join the Cohen Research Group to learn about drinking water quality and wastewater-based surveillance.
Inflatable Colon Walk Through
Join the Center for Public Health Practice and Research and the Virginia Cooperative Extension for an interative walk through an inflatable colon to learn how to prevent colon cancer!
Snuffle Mat Making
Join the behavior club in making snuffle mats. We will provide strips of colorful fleece and mats to create your very own decorative toys for your furry friends. Once you are home, hide treats or kibble in the mat and watch your pets brain go to work!
Tie-Dye Badana Station
Get creative with PrideSVMC! Stop by our table and craft your own colorful bandanas for you and your fuzzy friend!
VTH Blood Bank
Learn about our life saving dog and cat blood bank program at the teaching hospital. See if your pet fits the criteria to be a donor and save other pets' lives, as well as what perks are involved in being enrolled in the program.
Outside
- Several Food Trucks will be available. Names, coming soon!
- Coca-Cola Beverage Tent
Inside
- Space Rabbit Coffee (Commons)
Directions and Parking
The Blacksburg campus is located at 205 Duck Pond Drive. Virginia Tech is hosting many events on campus during the day, so we recommend guests enter campus using the Southgate Entrance off of US Route 460 (Exit 6).
There are several parking lots near the college, but we recommend parking in the Veterinary Medicine Lot across from the college or the Duck Pond Lot. More information about parking and maps can be found using this link.
Leave Fido at Home
We care deeply about all animals at VMCVM. So for the safety of patients at the hospital and open house demonstration animals, we are not allowing guests to bring pets to the event.
Questions and Accommodations
If you have a question or are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact the Office of Advancement at (540) 231-3927 or cvmadvancement@vt.edu.
Guidelines for Interacting with Animals
General Rules
Hand Hygiene:
- Use the provided hand-washing and sanitizing stations before and after handling animals.
- Avoid touching your face during interactions.
Respectful Behavior:
- Approach animals calmly and quietly to avoid startling them.
- Do not chase, harass, or attempt to pick up the animals.
- Follow instructions from staff or handlers at all times.
Health Precautions:
- If you are feeling unwell or actively coughing, please refrain from handling animals.
- Do not bring outside food or drinks into the animal areas.
Interaction Guidelines
Supervise Children:
- Parents/guardians must supervise children at all times.
- Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult in animal areas.
- For reptiles, amphibians, or poultry, handling is restricted to children ages 5 and older, as per CDC guidance, to reduce the risk of illness transmission. Younger children may observe these animals with supervision.
No Feeding:
- Do not feed the animals unless explicitly instructed by staff.
- Keep fingers away from animals' mouths.
Animal Safety:
- Avoid playing with animals’ food or water.
- Respect barriers and fences; do not lean over or through them to pet animals.
Additional Notes
Photography:
Flash photography is discouraged as it may stress the animals.
Food Area:
Food and drink areas are located away from animal interaction zones for safety and hygiene.
Have Fun!
Enjoy your time interacting with the animals while respecting their well-being and the safety of others.
Emergency Contacts
If you have questions or need assistance during your visit, please reach out to event staff stationed throughout the venue.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and enjoyable environment for both attendees and animals!
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Home Item
2025 Veterinary college Open House — a day of discovery, dedication, and delight , homeWhat happens when you combine nearly 1,000 curious visitors, dedicated veterinary students, and a menagerie of animals on a sunny spring day? You get the 2025 VMCVM Open House! Check out the recap here.