The wide world of animals and the people who care for them can be explored through lectures, exhibits, workshops and tours on April 6-8 during the annual Veterinary Teaching Hospital Open House in Fort Collins. Open house hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 6 and 7 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. April 8. All events are free and open to the public.

Josie Traub-Dargatz, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM will be giving a presentation on “A Veterinarian for the Life of Your Horse” at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 6. Traub-Dargatz is Professor of Equine Medicine at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and a member of The Horse‘s Editorial Advisory Board. She will offer tips on how to be a good caregiver to your equine friend and the best way to work with your horse’s veterinarian for optimum health and long life.

Kids will be able to experience mock surgery by “gowning up” and preparing to do surgery on stuffed animals, while professionals and students get to show how much they know in the “Stump-A-Vet” booth. The Fort Collins Police Department’s K-9 Unit will give a demonstration and a lecture on canine training. One of the Budweiser Clydesdales will be on hand for a presentation about care, nutrition and training of these beautiful horses.

Numerous booths will provide information about volunteer opportunities, community programs, veterinary education and other animal-related topics. Tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 300 W. Drake Road, will run continuously each day, in addition to an abbreviated hospital tour for children on April 6. For more information, call the Dean’s Office at 970/491-7053