It’s all about the animals
Veterinary college opens its doors to the public during its annual open house
Veterinary college opens its doors to the public during its annual open house.
There was no shortage of smiles and laughter as people toured the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island Saturday. The AVC hosted its 28th annual open house to give the community a chance to get a glimpse of what goes on in the busy veterinary college. “We are normally closed to the public so it’s the one time of the year we open up and you get to kind of experience what goes on here and see some of the animals,” said Ellen Boyd, AVC student co-ordinator for the event. Organizers estimate 2,800 people walked through the doors to take part in the familyfriendly event. Various groups participated including the P.E.I. Humane Society, P.E.I. 4H, Maritime Greyhound Adoption and Cat Action Team. Scheduled events included a dog breed parade, falconry lecture, pet first aid, nail trimming and clicker training exercises. There was also a host of demonstrations and activities for all ages to enjoy.
“I really liked how you get dressed up for surgery,” said eight-year-old Cameron Lowe of Charlottetown. Cameron also got his face painted like a leopard, took his stuffed animal to the teddy bear clinic and was given a balloon animal.
“I would say this is pretty much the second “funnest” place that I’ve been to.” Cameron also came to the conclusion that he wants to get a beagle when he is older after spending some time with the AVC beagles in the outdoor dog park. His mother, Deanna Lowe, was also impressed by the beagle breed.
“They were very friendly and cuddly. They are not like normal dogs that jump all over you they just wanted to lay beside you.” Cathy Taylor Bridges brought her two children, Taylor Bridges and Tommy Bridges, for the fifth time to the event. As they don’t have any pets at home, this event gives them a chance to spend time with animals. “My daughter, at one point, thought she might like to be veterinarian so it certainly gives her the chance to see the types of things that a vet would like to do as far as career path would be.”
This was the first time Angela Court came with her two daughters, Avery Court McGrath and Abi Court McGrath.
“I though it was a lot of fun. The girls seemed to really like being able to see the animals and get their stuffed animals checked out. They even got their vaccination certificates.” Children were also given an AVC open house passport where they had a chance to collect stamps from different stations around the college.
Erin Rollins, originally from Maine, is a first year student at the college and helped out at the passport table.
“It was fun to see little kids excited about this type of thing because I think I can relate,” said Rollins who has wanted to be a veterinarian since she was little.
Court said after experiencing the AVC open house, she would definitely recommend this for other families.
“I bet it’s interesting for older students who are considering it as a career option but it’s also fascinating for little ones to learn what vets do.”