Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. – One of Oregon State University’s most popular spring events will celebrate the human-animal connection on Saturday (May 2) when the College of Veterinary Medicine hosts its 22nd annual Pet Day on campus.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the college will open its doors to two- and four-legged visitors for tours, demonstrations, exhibits and socialization. The event annually draws some 3,000 to 4,000 visitors, many bringing their pets (which should be on leashes).

Pet Day is held at Magruder Hall, located on 30th Street just west of the Merritt Truax Indoor Center. The event is free and open to the public, although a handful of activities will have nominal fees that serve as fund-raisers for the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association, including a dog wash, pony rides, a fun run and a pet photo booth.

“Pet Day is a fun event for the community and as we continue to expand our capacity for teaching students and treating large and small animals, it represents an excellent opportunity for the public to see the first-rate facilities we have and meet some of our outstanding people,” said Cyril Clarke, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

Tours of the facilities, including the Lois Bate Acheson Teaching Hospital, begin at 10 a.m. and are free. Other events on Pet Day include dog agility demonstrations, a petting zoo, a pet wash, canine Frisbee-catching contests, teddy bear surgery, and more. A number of prizes will be given away during Pet Day.

A special feature of this year’s Pet Day is a series of 10- to 15-minute educational lectures by College of Veterinarian Medicine faculty on topical issues.

More information on the events is available at: http://oregonstate.edu/vetmed/index.php?q=pet-day-and-open-house

A number of organizations and businesses will have booths at Pet Day, offering information, giveaways, and items for sale. Visitors can learn about greyhounds, raising llamas, horse therapy for at-risk children, senior dog rescue programs, animal nutrition and much more.