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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Veterinary students at Oregon State University will coordinate one of the most popular annual spring events on campus this Saturday, May 1, when the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine hosts its 23rd annual Pet Day celebration.

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 and other student clubs, 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.

More information on the schedule, booths and activities is available at the Pet Day website at:
http://oregonstate.edu/vetmed/pet-day

A fun run/walk event will begin at 9 a.m. and registration may be done online in advance, or beginning at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race. The five-kilometer event will loop through the OSU campus and end at Magruder Hall. Race day registration is $17, with a $2 discount for those signing up online by April 30.

Tours of the facilities, including the Lois Bates 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.

Numerous booths will be staffed by vendors, volunteers and others who will provide information on animal health and wellness, nutrition, adoption and therapy. Other booths and displays will feature llamas, goats, ferrets, wildlife rehabilitation and reptiles.