The students, faculty and staff of the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine are inviting the public to their 35th annual open house on Saturday, April 7, 2001 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"The open house is our opportunity to share the joys of our profession with the community," says Joanne Johnson, Cornell DVM '03 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," she explains.

"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," adds event co-chair Lynda Cornelison, DVM '03.

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 have traditionally involved working with dogs, cats, cows, horses, sheep and pigs. However, the rapidly growing field also provides opportunities for 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.

The open house includes a wide range of exhibits and demonstrations, including a petting zoo with baby farm animals, chiropractic and acupuncture for animals, and exhibits on exotic species. Visitors also can learn about ultrasound and see the high-speed treadmill used in equine performance testing. Youngsters are invited to bring torn, eyeless, noseless or otherwise "injured" stuffed animals to be patched up by the Teddy Bear ER staff.

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.