4-28-08

Media Release

Pet Day Celebration Set May 3 at OSU

CCORVALLIS, Ore. – Whether you are curious about what it takes to become a veterinarian, you are looking for tips on dealing with a rambunctious puppy, or you simply want to pet a goat or two, Oregon State University’s Pet Day has something for everyone.

Organized by the College of Veterinary Medicine, Pet Day 2008 runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Magruder Hall, located on 30th Street just west of the Merritt Truax Indoor Center.

In addition to the traditional events at the annual Pet Day celebration, the college will hold an open house for the expansion of the Lois Bates Acheson Teaching Hospital.

“Pet Day is a fun event for the community and it is even more special this year because we are just completing a major expansion and visitors will have an opportunity to see our new capacity for teaching students and treating large and small animals,” said Cyril Clarke, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The event serves as a fund-raiser for students and as a promotional event for the college and the veterinary profession. Many of the activities are free, including a petting zoo, teddy bear surgery, a kids’ zone, lectures, displays and tours.

A nominal charge is set for some of the events, including a dog wash, pony rides, a fun run and a pet photo booth.

More information on the events is available at: http://oregonstate.edu/vetmed/Pet_Day/.

Each year, some 3,000 to 4,000 visitors attend Pet Day – many bringing their cats, dogs and other pets (on leashes, of course) . Numerous vendors have displays and demonstrations, with specialties ranging from pet foods, to raising llamas, to training dogs for agility or catching Frisbees.

A number of prizes will be given away during Pet Day.

There is no charge to attend Pet Day and no registration is required, except for the fun run, which starts at 9 a.m. (with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.) and a cat photo contest (contest entries are due April 30).