The School of Veterinary Medicine’s “Our Oath in Action” team is expanding its “one-stop” adopt-a-thon this year to include an Animal Health Fair where pet owners can learn about pet first aid, healthy animal weight and vaccinations, among other topics. The adopt-a-thon and fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at Central Park, Third and C streets, Davis. Admission is free.

Veterinary students who are organizing the event said dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and horses will be up for adoption, all from local shelters and rescue organizations that will waive or reduce their adoption fees at this event. The organizers welcome donations of pet food and other supplies, including blankets, to share with the shelters and rescue groups.

A clinic will provide free vaccinations and primary care for all newly adopted pets, as well as free veterinary exams and microchips for all pets.

The program demonstrates “Our Oath in Action” — referring to the oaths of veterinary professionals. “Our Oath in Action” is sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, which has provided funding for the adopt-a-thon since it began in 2014.

“This is the third year that the AVMF has chosen our project, and we are excited to say that this will be our biggest and best year yet,” said Melissa Von Zup, a third-year veterinary student and member of her school’s Our Oath in Action team. The event is student-driven, but also involves veterinary professionals from UC Davis and elsewhere.

Everyone’s invited, pets included — and there will be a photo booth for “family” photos! The program also features demonstrations by high-flying Frisbee dogs, canine agility programs and the UC Davis Police Department’s K-9.

The Animal Health Fair will feature “passports” for visitors to take with them from booth to booth. Upon leaving, show your passport (and the stamps you received at the various booths) and you’ll get a prize.

More information is available on this Facebook event page. Or, contact project director Katie Krebs by email.  

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