The students, faculty and staff of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine are inviting the public to the college's 34th annual open house, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 8, 2000 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Open house is our opportunity to share the joys of our profession with the community," says Karen DeAngelis, Cornell DVM Class of 2002 and event co-chair. Veterinary students and members of the faculty and staff host this annual event that provides a chance for those interested to get a closer look at veterinary medicine.

"Every year during open house, we invite the public to tour our college and learn more about our facilities, our equipment and what we do every day," explains Kristen Reyher, Cornell DVM Class of 2002 and event co-chair.

Students, faculty members and staff will be on hand at the open house to answer questions about the careers of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal-care specialists. Careers in veterinary medicine traditionally have involved working with dogs, cats, cows, horses, sheep and pigs. However, this rapidly growing field also provides opportunities to work in the animal-health industry, government, armed forces and with many other species in zoos, wildlife refuges, developing countries and even in everyday practice with local veterinarians.

Included in the open house will be a wide range of exhibits and demonstrations: a petting zoo with baby farm animals, chiropractic and acupuncture for animals and exhibits on exotic species. Visitors also can see an arson dog demonstration, learn about ultrasound, see the high-speed treadmill used in the equine performance testing clinic, hear some live singing performances, take a ride on a wagon pulled by Percheron draft horses and suit up in surgical attire for a picture at the "Dress Like a Surgeon" exhibit. Torn, eyeless, noseless or otherwise "injured" stuffed animals can be patched up by the "Teddy Bear ER" staff.

"There are many more exhibits, so please stop by and join us!" event co-chair DeAngelis says.

For those interested in applying to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as for those who just want to know more about veterinary education and careers in veterinary medicine, there will be admissions and veterinary career information sessions throughout the day.

The family-oriented event is scheduled rain or shine. Groups interested in attending the veterinary open house are encouraged to contact the college's Office of Public Affairs at (607) 253-3744. More information is at the website: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/showcase/openhouse/.