Mississippi State’s College of Veterinary Medicine will host its annual open house Saturday.

Free and open to the public from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the family-friendly event offers a behind-the-scenes look at veterinary medicine and showcases the college’s cutting-edge teaching, service and research.

This year’s open house includes a petting zoo and activities highlighting a wide range of veterinary specialties, from pathology to surgery. Guests will get an inside look at how vet students learn and where they spend their time, including both equine and bovine stations.

Founded by an act of the Mississippi Legislature in 1974 and with its first classes beginning in 1977, the CVM has produced the world’s foremost veterinary professionals for nearly 50 years. The college is a leader in areas including toxicology, aquatic animal health, infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance, providing exceptional research opportunities with collaboration between research faculty and faculty clinicians.

CVM’s flagship hospital, the Animal Health Center, provides emergency and referral care for large and small animal species in the region. MSU veterinary students get experience and instruction at the AHC, with many performing approximately 100 surgeries during their studies.