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CORVALLIS, Ore. -  Oregon State University will hold its 26th annual Pet Day on Saturday, May 4, when the College of Veterinary Medicine opens its doors for tours, displays and a number of family-oriented events.

Pet Day is created, organized, and staffed by students in the College of Veterinary Medicine. It is their way of giving back to the community and continuing a legacy of public service, college officials say.

The event draws 3,000 to 4,000 visitors annually, many of whom bring their pets. Event organizers ask visitors to keep their pets on a leash.

"Pet Day is a child-friendly, educational, colorful and furry way for the veterinary college to interact with the community," said Kim Bruce, a second-year OSU veterinary medicine student and co-chair for the event. "It is easily my favorite event of the year - Pet Day is literally a "tail-wagging" good time."

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; however there is a small charge for a handful of the events.

The college will have new events this year, including a "cow pie" throwing contest, dog nail trims and massages, a pet costume contest (all species welcome), and many new rescue groups with adoptable pets. Benny the Beaver will also make an appearance.

The OSU College of Pharmacy will join the event this year, representing the "One Health, One World" philosophy by offering free blood pressure and diabetes screenings to Pet Day visitors.  The college will also have educational information on the importance of immunizations and hygiene in preventing zoonotic disease that people can acquire from their pets.

Other activities offered at Pet Day include dog agility demonstrations, live reptiles, a petting zoo, tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Wonders of Anatomy displays, dog Frisbee show, cat photo contest, and more.

Many organizations and vendors will have booths providing free samples, information, or other resources spanning the four-legged gamut 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, Zoetis, Bayer Animal Health, Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the Oregon Animal Health Foundation, and the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SCAVMA).