Open House

For limitless opportunities in careers from animal care to public health to biomedical research, look no further than the College of Veterinary Medicine!

The annual Open House of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine has a wide variety of events, including family-friendly activities, educational exhibits, and fascinating demonstrations.

Coming Soon: Open House 2025 – October 5

A vet student and girl hold a snake at Open House 2024.

Thousands of people attend Open House, which has informative booths and exhibits throughout the veterinary campus, including:

  • The Large Animal Clinic
  • The Basic Sciences Building
  • The Clinical Skills Learning Center.

Most booths are open throughout the day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please check the program at the Welcome Booth when you arrive.

Parking is free, and there are refreshments and meals available for purchase, as are veterinary-themed shirts and other apparel.

Thanks to the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association for their support of veterinary students who put on Open House!

Can’t wait till October? Visit the virtual Open House now!

The Latin Village bus cohort pose in front of Foellinger Auditorium

Chicago Connection

Thanks to veterinary student Naomi Esquivel, the Chicago Village Bus Program was launched in 2023 to transport youth from Chicago to the University of Illinois Open House.

For information about participating in this program, please email: lvmaillinois@gmail.com

Check out the 2024 Open House

Open House 2024 took place on Sunday, October 6, and featured various demos and booths free to the public!

Demos, booth, and activities included:

  • Farrier (Horseshoeing) demos
  • “Ask a Vet Student”
  • Wildlife Medical Clinic ambassador animal talks
  • Small Animal Surgery’s teddy bear repair
  • Seeing a fistulated cow
  • Hearing from the many veterinary organizations at the University of Illinois.

Download the 2024 program, with demo topics and booth lists.

A father and daughter learn how to put a cast on a toy dog at Open House 2024.
Vet student holding a ferret at Open House 2024.
A child being held, petting a horse's nose at Open House 2024.
A boy holds a model of a brain at Open House 2024.
A group of children looking at x-rays of animals' injuries.
A veterinary medicine student showing a kid a flashcard.
Two girls look through a microscope at Open House 2024.

See more photos from the 2024 Open House.

Notice: If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program/event, please contact Chris Beuoy at 217-244-1562 / beuoy@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Additionally, the university plans to capture photographs and video of this event. Be aware that if you attend, you are consenting to the possibility that your image and likeness may be shared or published by the university for marketing-communications purposes.