Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine opened their doors Saturday, April 20, for the annual Veishea open house.

The open house ran from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and was free of charge.

There were numerous activities held that appealed to all ages.

Among these were face painting and an exotic pet expo that included snakes, parrots, a scorpion and lizards.

All activities were open to the public. Justin and Desiree Fuller were drawn to the open house to show their young daughter the animals at the petting zoos, who bravely said she “liked touching the snakes.”

Along with the exotic pet expo, there was a petting zoo with animals ranging from goats and dogs to bunnies and a miniature horse.

There were several dog rescues at the open house, including the Iowa Weimaraner Rescue and the Heartland Greyhound Rescue.

Both had rescue and adoptable dogs present at their booths.

During the open house, the veterinary school allowed and hosted tours of the newly renovated small animal hospital and the large animal hospital that opened in 2008.

Normally tours need to be scheduled ahead of time because of increased security at the college.

Another activity of the open house was the prospective student seminar an informational session that explains the admissions process and how to develop a competitive application for veterinary school.

It is held every year during the Veishea open house.

Other activities included CPR station, teddy bear clinic and ‘dog bite prevention’ booths.

The veterinary medical open house was bustling with activity, appealing to children and adults alike, all getting to catch a rare glimpse into the veterinary college.