Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The 20th anniversary of a popular Oregon State University community event will take place on Saturday, May 5, when the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine hosts its annual Pet Day celebration.

Organized by the college’s first- and second-year students, Pet Day runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Magruder Hall, located on 30th Street just west of the Merritt Truax Indoor Center. Event organizers are second-year vet students Lauren Stayer and Sara Neilson, and first-year students Jennifer Buchanan and Christine Gustin.

“This is an event that really helps to promote the bond between humans and animals, and allows the community to experience all aspects of veterinary medicine,” said Rich Holdren, interim dean of the college. “And it’s a great deal of fun.”

The event serves as a fund-raiser for students and as a promotional event for the college and the veterinary profession. Many of the activities are free, including a petting zoo, teddy bear surgery, “bounce houses,” a kids’ zone, lectures, displays and tours.

A nominal charge is set for some of the events, including a dog wash, pony rides, a fun run and a pet photo booth.

Each year, some 3,000 to 4,000 visitors attend Pet Day – many bringing their cats, dogs and other pets (on leashes, of course) . Numerous vendors have displays and demonstrations, with specialties ranging from pet foods, to raising llamas, to training dogs for agility or catching Frisbees.

Talks will cover physical therapy in animals and rural veterinary practice.

The “You Be a Vet” booth will provide an opportunity for hands-on experience, and different veterinary diagnostic tools will be on display. Terri Clark, an anatomy instructor for the college, will have the anatomy lab open for display.

A number of prizes will be given away during Pet Day.

There is no charge to attend Pet Day and no registration is required, except for the fun run, which starts at 9 a.m. (with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.) and a cat photo contest (contest entries are due May 2). For information, visit the OSU Pet Day web site at: http://www.vet.oregonstate.edu/PETDAY/index.htm