CVM Annual Open House

Veterinary student volunteers organize the college’s annual Open House. During Open House, more than 2,000 people tour the college and attend educational presentations to learn about the scope and depth of veterinary medicine and the college’s admissions requirements. They also enjoy entertainment such as agility dog shows, horse shows and presentations about raptors, reptiles and rabbits. Students handle logistics, marketing, media relations, crowd control and coordinating with outside vendors.

CVM Annual Open House 2025

Join us for a day filled with family-friendly fun, educational exhibits, hands-on animal activities,
expert speakers, food vendors, and more!

Saturday, May 10th | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1520 East Rollins St, Columbia, MO 65211

TIMES BELOW ARE TENTATIVE

Guest Speaker Schedule

Join us for a full day of exciting and informative presentations from experts in various fields of veterinary medicine. All sessions are open to students, faculty, and staff. Please note the location for each presentation.

Library Speakers

  • 9:30 A.M. – Dr. Josephine Dornbusch: Soft Tissue Surgery
  • 10:00 A.M. – Dr. Leslie Lyons: Feline Genetics
  • 11:00 A.M. – Dr. Pamela Adkins: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
  • 12:00 P.M. – Dr. Tim Evens: Toxicology
  • 1:00 P.M. – Dr. Aaron Sieve & Dr. Albert D’Agostino: Ophthalmology
  • 1:30 P.M. – Dr. Bess Pierce: Sports Medicine
  • 2:00 P.M. – Dr. Jessica McCarthy: Small Animal Orthopedics
  • 2:30 P.M. – Dr. Laurie Frasher: Small Animal Emergency & Critical Care

Auditorium Speakers

  • 10:30 A.M. – Student Panel: Mizzou Veterinary Students
  • 12:00 P.M. – Kathy Seay: Admissions
  • 1:30 P.M. – Technician Panel: Featuring Mary McFillen, RVT, and Others

Trowbridge

  • 9:15 A.M. – Dr. Hannah Leventhal will present on Pigeon Fever
  • 10:00 A.M. – Dr. Pamela Adkins will speak on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
  • 11:00 A.M. – Dr. Scott Poock will cover EPDs and Bull Selection
  • 1:00 P.M. – George Frees will share his knowledge of Beekeeping

Tile Room Story Time with Dr. Alisa Hutchison

  • 10:00 A.M.
  • 10:30 A.M.
  • 11:00 A.M.
  • 11:30 A.M.
  • 1:00: P.M.
  • 1:30: P.M.
  • 2:00 P.M.
  • 2:30 P.M.
Entertainment

Attendees can look forward to an engaging and educational experience with a variety of exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive activities. The event will feature:

Adams Location

  • Central Missouri Humane Society
  • CVF
  • Divine Veterinary Clinic
  • Dog Schooling (Gafke)
  • Human-Animal Bond Club
  • Jefferson City Animal Hospital
  • Military (Mannes)
  • Mule Team (Mule Rides)
  • Nichols Group
  • Nutrition Club
  • Robin Dianics
  • Rock Bridge Animal Hospital
  • SAVMA
  • SCVECCS
  • Theriogenology Club
  • Tigers for Tigers Club
  • VOICE
  • ZEW Club

Room W235 Location

  • USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
  • Missouri Department of Agriculture

Micro Lab Location

  • Comparative Medicine Program (CMPC)

Outside Locations

  • Boone County Sheriff K9 Unit
  • Columbia Canine Sports Center
  • Purina Dog Show: 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
  • Raptor Club

Animal Science Parking Lot

  • Fire and Rescue
Trowbridge

This family-friendly event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about veterinary medicine, agriculture, and animal care in a fun and interactive setting.

Featured Events

  • Little Rodeo – Barrel racing, roping, bull riding & more! (Bring your own stick ponies)
  • Scavenger Hunt – Discover where your food, clothes, and more come from
  • Milking Dairy Cows – Learn how to milk and care for dairy cattle
  • Biosecurity Trailer – Learn and practice proper biosecurity techniques
  • Cannulated Dairy Cow – Reach into a real cow’s surgical porthole and feel its rumen
  • Photo Booth – Capture fun moments at the event

Meet the Animals

  • Swine
  • Dairy Calves
  • Babydoll Sheep
  • Mini Cows
  • Goats

Guest Speakers

  • 9:15 A.M. – Dr. Hannah Leventhal will present on Pigeon Fever
  • 10:00 A.M. – Dr. Pamela Adkins will speak on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza
  • 11:00 A.M. – Dr. Scott Poock will cover EPDs and Bull Selection
  • 1:00 P.M. – George Frees will share his knowledge of Beekeeping
Activities
  • Zou Clues scavenger hunt with prizes
  • SAVMA Face Painting
  • Surgery Bears station in the Anatomy Lab
  • Story Time with Dr. Hutchison
  • And more exciting prizes!
Concessions

Enjoy a variety of delicious food and refreshing drinks from local vendors!

  • The Melt Masters – Serving up gourmet grilled cheese and more!
  • Fresh Lemonade Co. – Cool off with freshly squeezed lemonade.
  • Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck – Enjoy hot and iced coffee options on the go.
  • Kona Ice – Treat yourself to refreshing shaved ice in a variety of flavors.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

We are incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors for supporting this year’s Open

  • CareVet
  • Nave Veterinary Group
  • Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets
  • SAVMA – University of Missouri

Your contributions make this event possible and help us continue to educate, inspire, and connect with our community.

There’s Still Time to Donate!

Scan the QR code above or make a donation here to help us make the 2025 Open House our best one yet!