Corvallis Pet Day at Oregon State University will return this May after a two-year pause, and the celebration will bring local pets, residents and the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine together.

Pet Day is returning this year at Magruder Hall on May 7 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

“Pet Day is a community event where the veterinary college opens up doors and lets community members in to see,” said Katrina Coalwell, the co-chair for the class of 2024. “Community is at the center of this, and any proceeds are given to veterinary students to pay for graduation expenses.”

Pet Day is the only day of the year when the entire veterinary hospital is open to the community. Typically, tours only show certain parts, and entry is allowed only to those over 16. On Pet Day, however, the age limit will be lowered. 

According to Coalwell, Pet Day is a good time to see where your pet may undergo medical procedures in the hospital and offers a more relaxing time to meet a veterinarian rather than right before the procedure or an operation.

In addition, according to Patrick Callagy, the co-chair for the class of 2025, Pet Day is not just for pet owners.

“We have many activities on Pet Day,” said Callagy. “We have activities geared towards kids… We also have more scientific events happening, we have a hands-on science booth, and we have an anatomy booth to look at specimens. We have stuff for every age range to get you interested in veterinary medicine.”

Pet Day is an opportunity for the community to learn more about exotic animals as well. On display are reptiles, llamas and more. Furthermore, community members are allowed to bring their leashed pets and more exotic animals such as lizards and birds.

“It is extremely family-friendly, there’s a little bit of something for everyone,” said Sara Smith, the events and alumni relations coordinator for CCVM. “You can just stroll through and see some reptiles, see some dogs doing really cool agility stuff. Also just let your kids know about veterinary medicine and that you can work with animals, there’s so many things you can do.”

Pet Day also includes many third-party vendors such as Heartland Humane Society, local veterinary practices and various vendors with food and activities for everyone. There are also opportunities for dog grooming and nail trimming–for a small fee–and animals are invited to participate in a 5K being held in the morning on the day of the festival.

The college has high hopes for the event, and, according to Kayla Ashland, co-chair of the class of 2024, the pandemic led to a large increase in the number of pets in the community.

According to Callagy, during the event there will be students clearly identified that can help direct people to where they’d like to go and to help people at the event.

“You don’t need to stay for the whole day, and it isn’t demanding to come for this,” Callagy said. “You can ask questions about what is happening the day of the event.”