Newsroom

CORVALLIS - There may not be lions, tigers and bears, but there will be plenty of llamas, dogs, pigs, ponies, ferrets and birds at the 12th annual Pet Day and Open House on Saturday, May 1, at Oregon State University.

Sponsored by the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, this popular, family-oriented event usually draws about 4,000 visitors to the Corvallis campus for a day of petting snakes, training dogs, milking goats and just about every pet-related activity in between.

During a day of fun interaction with animals, the event is intended to provide information about the college, the public services it provides and possible careers in veterinary medicine. A wide variety of veterinarians, animal caretakers and trainers will be on hand.

Pet Day runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine, at Magruder Hall on the corner of 30th and Washington Street. There is no admission fee, although some activities have a small fee or donation. Families are encouraged to bring their dogs, on a leash.

A five-kilometer "fun run" begins the day's activities at 9 a.m., and pets may join the owner on the run. Other activities and events include:

• Guided tours of the OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital
• A petting zoo
• Hay wagon rides
• Demonstrations of sheep herding dogs, dog obedience and agility, and milking goats
• An "Ask-A-Vet" booth where veterinary professionals will be on hand to provide basic information about animal care and health issues
• Service dogs and guide dogs for the blind
• Booths from the Chintimini Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Chintimini Kennel Club, Greyhound Pets of America, Koenig's Wool-n-Fit Fir Farm Llama Ranch, and the American Diabetes Association "Kiss a Pig" booth
• Food and games

Pet day is especially geared to provide entertaining activities for younger children, with prizes for many events. And children who have tattered, aging teddy bears should be sure to bring them - there's a "teddy bear surgery" service provided by veterinary students.