Newsroom

CORVALLIS - The 16th annual Pet Day and Open House will be held Saturday, May 3, at Oregon State University, giving thousands of Oregonians a chance to spend a special day with their pet and enjoy a wide range of family activities.

The popular event is sponsored by the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine and will be held at or near Magruder Hall on the OSU campus, 30th and Washington Street, rain or shine. Parking and most activities are free and open to the public, with small fees charged for some events.

The day begins with a five-kilometer "fun run" at 9 a.m. Other events will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Family pets are welcome to attend, on a leash.

The traditional event celebrates the human-animal bond, organizers say, and also gives the College of Veterinary Medicine a chance to inform the public about its wide range of service, research and educational activities. More information about Pet Day activities can be found on the web at www.vet.orst.edu.

A number of sponsors and presenters will also be available to answer many questions about pets, such as the different types of pets, what pets need, how they can be adopted, how specialty dogs are trained, what type of pet might best suit your family, what type of care pets need, and other topics.

Among the other activities:

• A cat photo contest, with entries to be mailed in by April 29; 
• Tours of Magruder Hall and the Teaching Hospital;
• Border Collie International Performing Team and Community Frisbee Contest;
• Wagon rides and pony rides;
• Pet wash, cost $5;
• Petting zoo, including a pygmi goat, pony, rabbits and guinea pig;
• Teddy bear surgery;
• Displays of llamas, reptiles and other animals;
• Games, food booths, obedience and agility demonstrations.