WesternU College of Veterinary Medicine Open House attracts more than 1,500 visitors

Children of all ages flocked to the Western University of Health Sciences Esplanade on Saturday, April 11, 2026, for the College of Veterinary Medicine’s 18th Annual Open House.

Anyone with an interest in animals found something to learn about and enjoy. There were dozens of booths and interactive sessions with information about both wild animals and pets, pet adoptions, college tours, a petting zoo, and scores of hands-on activities. More than 1,500 visitors attended the event, which took place under postcard perfect skies, something that had not been predicted earlier in the week.

CVM Dean John Tegzes, MA, VMD, DABVT, said the annual Open House is an opportunity to introduce the college and the many roles of veterinary medicine to children, families, and adults alike.

“The enthusiasm of participants is palpable,” Dr. Tegzes added. “When I spoke with a family during the event, they thanked me for opening the College to them. This was their third year in a row attending, and they told me how their children talk about it for weeks afterwards and were already asking if they could come again next year.”

WesternU students, faculty and staff, spent the day interacting with scores of young people—most from Pomona area communities. Girl Scouts, Scouts BSA, and other youth groups flocked to the event to earn badges and learn about pet care.

Attendees included some who are interested in veterinary medicine as a career. In fact, several admitted students for the Class of 2030 joined the Open House crowds to check out the college and the campus.

CVM Professor Beth Boynton, DVM, FNAP, took part in some career talks during the Open House, and found an engaged audience.

“There were some really interested kids there, and it was really exciting to have them hang around and ask questions about vet med and what is involved in it,” she said. “That’s just really inspiring. That’s what we hope for.”

Second-year CVM student Cendrina Duhamel, president of WesternU’s Student American Veterinary Association (SAVMA), had a similar experience.

“Open House was actually a great experience, and I personally enjoyed it more this year than I did last year,” she said. “It was so fun to see all the squiggly kids trying to figure out Jeopardy questions at our booth.”

Amelia Ruiz and her friend Truelene Cantwell, fifth graders and Junior Girl Scouts from Chino Hills, were part of the target audience for the day’s festivities.  They both hail from pet owning families, and animals are a regular part of their lives.

“The animals (at the Open House) are very cute and friendly,” Amelia said, and added that she might one day want to work with animals as an adult.

Truelene has also considered going to school for veterinary medicine but more recently is  leaning toward teaching. Despite her evolving thoughts on a future career, she enjoyed the exhibits and booths.  “And the boba,” she added.

Boba tea was one of many draws at the event. Another was a police dog demonstration from the Port of Los Angeles Police K-9 unit. Officers demonstrated how their dogs can detect potential explosives simply through a keen sense of smell.

Members of the squad said that public events like the WesternU Open House are important for a couple of reasons. Not only do the officers enjoy interacting with children and showing off their highly-trained animals, they are also on the lookout for new human recruits.

“We are involved in a full-blown recruitment adventure, trying to hire about 20 new police officers,” said Lt. Nathaneal Blair.

Children are accompanied by parents, he said, and parents are potential officers. “We seem to get at least one applicant from every event.”

Cpl. Roberto Redondo said the dogs on their team are critical to helping uncover potential dangers as well as contraband. There are dogs and officers deployed to both cruise and cargo ships as they enter Los Angeles Harbor.  “Our dogs have yielded a pretty good return,” he noted.

The Open House represents a major undertaking by the College of Veterinary Medicine, its largest public event of the year. Virtually every first- and second-year student has a role to play, along with each member of the College’s faculty and staff. It takes the entire college community to plan and pull off an event of this magnitude, as more than 1,400 pre-registrants and scores of walk-up attendees spilled onto campus.

“Every year we come together to welcome the Greater Pomona community and beyond,” Dean Tegzes said. “This event is delivered through the efforts of students, staff, and faculty alike, and I am always impressed by the dedication demonstrated by all.”