Veterinary Teaching Hospital

The Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Washington State University offers families a unique behind-the-scenes look at veterinary medicine in action. Kids fascinated by animals and science will love exploring this working teaching hospital where they can learn about animal care, meet future veterinarians, and discover what it takes to help sick and injured animals get better.

• ✓Behind-the-scenes look at a real veterinary teaching hospital in operation
• ✓Opportunity to meet veterinary students and learn about their training
• ✓Educational displays about animal anatomy, care, and common veterinary procedures
• ✓Chance to see various animal patients receiving care (from small pets to large animals)
• ✓Hands-on learning opportunities about animal health and welfare

1. 1.Call ahead to schedule a tour, as the hospital primarily serves as a working veterinary clinic and tour availability may be limited.
2. 2.Visit during weekday mornings when student veterinarians are most active and you're more likely to see procedures and learning in action.
3. 3.Prepare kids beforehand by explaining that some animals they see may be sick or recovering from surgery, which can be emotional for sensitive children.
4. 4.Bring a notebook for budding veterinarians to take notes and sketch what they learn during the tour.
5. 5.Check with WSU's College of Veterinary Medicine about special open house events, which typically offer more extensive programming for families.

Weekday mornings during the academic year (September through May) when veterinary students are actively learning and the hospital is bustling with educational activity. Avoid exam periods and university breaks when fewer students are present.

This is a working veterinary hospital, so tour availability is limited and advance reservations are essential. Parking is available on the WSU campus, and families should plan to follow all hospital protocols including hand hygiene and quiet voices around recovering animals.

Tours are most readily available during the academic year from September through May. Summer availability may be limited, and the hospital may have reduced tour schedules during university holidays and winter break.

Head to The Bookie at WSU's Compton Union Building for casual, affordable dining with plenty of kid-friendly options. For a sit-down meal, try Cougar Country Drive-In on Colorado Street for classic burgers and shakes that kids love.