ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Every year, Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine students open the school's doors to show the public what their line of work looks like. This year's Open House brought dozens of interactive activities to the community once more.

Students, faculty, and staff encouraged people to explore the facilities, participate in interactive demonstrations, and learn about some of the things the veterinary field has to offer.

"So it's kind of like veterinary medicine as a whole while bringing the community together too and it's a fun atmosphere where kids can enjoy, they can see, get their hands wet and different things and really take home some things about like 'Oh I did this when I was six, let me go be a vet, like I want to be a veterinarian now.'" said Brittany Tagg, a second-year veterinary student at Cornell. "And then they'll start going to like their dogs and cats appointments and see how it is there and kind of get that idea of what a veterinarian is, and it's not just your usual dog and cat."

The Open House featured dozens of activities led by community members, faculty, and the vet students themselves. Some of those activities included a petting zoo, police K9 demos, tick races, equine treadmill demos, face painting, and more.

Each one provided a mix of fun and education to help cater to people of all ages.

Family members of one veterinary student have attended the Open House every year since he began studying. When asked why they attended the event once more, the student's cousin Lana said, "Because my cousin, Dr. James Cockey, is here and I wanted to see him."

"I've learned so much from him about animals and their behaviors," said Sharon Cockey, the student's mother. "He's got his PhD in immunology, so he talks a lot of doctor speak that I don't understand. It's good to hear."

Other attendees simply came to enjoy some time and new experiences with their families.

"I love the interaction the kids are getting with the animals," said Derrick Barrett, an attendee and Cornell employee. "We were able to pet a miniature horse over here. We were able to see structures on a large horse, to see the bones and where things in different parts of the body are placed. Really, just seeing their eyes light up as they're seeing and learning all this stuff really brings me back to my childhood."

Some of the student organizers say that, while the event does bring that element of fun and education to the community, it also helps them prepare for their jobs, and address the need for more vets in the field.

"I think that awareness always starts from exposure," said Diane Hwangpo, a third-year veterinary student at Cornell. "So you know, we get a lot of young kids that come we year. So just kind of getting a feel for the vet school, getting a feel for what you know events we put on here, 'What does it mean in terms of how can we expand that to medicine?' We just keep the conversation going year after year and I think it's really cool because a lot of times we'll have kids come here every year, so they grow up with us and they grow up with that knowledge and all of that."

Whether it's aspiring veterinarians or simply animal enthusiasts, Saturday's Open House provided something for people of all ages.