It offers a four-year program leading to the DVM as well as graduate study leading to the Master of Science (MS) and PhD, and recently a joint program in veterinary medicine and public health (DVM/MPH), affiliated with University of Minnesota's School of Public Health.

The college was the setting for the show Vet School Confidential, which originally aired on Animal Planet in 2001.

When Michigan State University opened in 1855, the school provided education in veterinary science as part of its agricultural mission.

In the past it has treated Zeke the Wonder Dog and the Arabian horses that performed at Michigan State Spartans football games.

Every year the hospital holds its annual "Celebration of Life" to honor pets who fought through tough illnesses.