Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State University will hold its 25th annual Pet Day celebration this Saturday, May 5, when the College of Veterinary Medicine opens its doors for tours, displays and a number of family-oriented events.

This is no ordinary open house. One of the more popular events at the university, Pet Day annually draws 3,000 to 4,000 visitors - many of whom bring their pets.

"Pet Day has always been a day where the community can come out and enjoy the campus while learning about veterinary medicine," said Jaci Abbatantono, a second-year OSU veterinary medicine student and co-chair for the event. "Pet Day has grown as the college has grown and I think it is exciting for Oregonians to come back year after year to see the changes in both the college and veterinary medicine as a profession."

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Pet Day, the college will host some new events, Abbatantono said. "In addition to an alumni gathering, there are new lectures and some exciting new animals in the petting zoo. We also have returning favorites such as the fun run, dog agility and tours of the college."

Pet Day runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Magruder Hall, located on 30th Street in Corvallis just south of Washington Way, and adjacent to the athletic department's Truax Indoor Center. Admittance and most events are free; there is a small charge for a handful of the events.

Among the activities will be dog agility demonstrations, a petting zoo, a pet wash, Frisbee contests for dogs, tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and more. Numerous organizations and vendors will have displays, providing free samples, information and other resources on everything from pet food to shelter medicine.

Pet Day is sponsored by the College of Veterinary Medicine, and supported by Banfield Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the Oregon Animal Health Foundation, and the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA).