Only 28 communities in the United States are lucky enough to have accredited veterinary schools. Once a year, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine invites the entire city to meet its experts and explore the latest developments in animal health care, rescue, therapy, welfare and research.
This year’s 34th annual event takes place this Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Over the years, this annual opportunity to see the SVM has become so popular that it draws between 5,000 and 8,000 visitors annually. Not only do people flock in from across Louisiana, they come from Mississippi, Arkansas and other surrounding states.
Most people readily identify veterinarians as the experts who care for pets, livestock and exotic animals. But, this year’s theme—One World, One Health—demonstrates how veterinarians touch the lives of everyone on the planet—even individuals who don’t own animals.
Consequently, the Open House explores veterinarians’ roles as teachers, research scientists and soldiers. Displays explain how veterinarians develop public policy, inspect and protect the food supply, safeguard the public from communicable diseases, provide research and care for animals used in space exploration and conduct research on injuries, diseases, parasites and microbes that can affect both people and animals.
The self-guided tour includes a glimpse into the gross anatomy lab, equine treadmill, canine underwater therapy, cancer treatment center, intensive care units, surgery and radiology suites. Throughout the corridors, rescue representatives, students and faculty explain the animal-related issues, services and resources available to local pet owners.
Besides being fun, educational and free, Open House exposes animal lovers to the work of 80 exhibitors, a tremendous variety of domestic and exotic species, breeds and live animals they are unlikely to see elsewhere. Children may also bring their own injured stuffed animals to be “sutured” by vet students at the Teddy Bear Clinic.
Besides its animal encounters with rescued rabbits, a petting zoo full of barnyard animals, rehabilitated raptors and all creatures great and small, the Open House offers special presentations including the parades of dog and horse breeds.
In addition to featuring its own students and staff, the Open House includes demonstrations, booths and adoptable animals from Louisiana Capital City Obedience Club, the Baton Rouge Kennel Club, Gulf South Golden Retriever Rescue, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo and Working Animal Guide Society of Louisiana among others.
For more information and a schedule of events, click here.
Creature feature
The SVM Open House features many displays about the importance of adopting a family pet from a rescue or shelter. APAWS has many adorable adoptable animals including:
Jester is a precious male 1-year-old Schnauzer/shih tzu mix. Jester loves to play with human companions and other dogs.
Sweet Shania took care of two litters of kittens when she was little more than a kitten herself. Now, all she wants is get some well-deserved attention. This easygoing girl does well with children and other pets.
Precious Petunia and Little Linus are adorable young dachshund mixes. They have become a bonded pair and would be best suited to go to a home together.
Sassy is a young female kitten with a beautiful black coat and glowing amber eyes. This sweet girl and her sisters are the last survivors of two litters of kittens.
Callie is an adult calico cat. Once her owner’s job began to require frequent travel, he decided to relinquish her to rescue. She is a very sweet girl who is best suited for a calm, quiet home.
Sirius was found wandering around a local workplace bone thin and scared. One of the workers took pity on this adult German shepherd mix and took him in. Unable to keep him, she contacted APAWS. Sirius is very sweet, but he’s also very scared of new people. Once he’s comfortable and confident in his environment, he shows his loving and fun personality.
These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Animal Protection and Welfare Society’s website or Facebook page.
