WHAT: Iguanas and guinea pigs, rats and rabbits, turtles and snakes, they're all part of the new trend in unusual pets that continues to grow as homes become smaller and pet enthusiasts look for alternatives to the ever popular dog and cat. During a special preview event, news media will be offered a glimpse of many of the animal species that will be showcased during the July 8 Alternative Pets 2000 Symposium in UC Davis' Freeborn Hall, WHEN: Thursday, July 6, 11 a.m. to noon WHERE: Room 269, Second Floor of Veterinary Medicine II, adjacent to the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. WHO: Dr. Niels Peterson, a professor and director of the Center for Companion Animal Health, and Dr. Lisa Tell, an assistant professor of zoological medicine, both in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, will discuss the new wave of interest in alternative pets, challenges these animals pose to veterinary medicine and cautions for prospective pet owners in acquiring and caring for such animals. VISUALS: A variety of alternative pets, including birds, reptiles and mammals, will be on display. Their owners, including several children, will be available to talk about their alternative pets. BACKGROUND: The Alternative Pets 2000 Symposium is a public event sponsored by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and its Center for Companion Animal Health, in conjunction with the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. During the symposium, which will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8, a variety of alternative pets including iguanas chinchillas, tarantulas, exotic birds, rabbits, turtle and koi will be on display. Seminars will be offered on care and handling of the various animals, and veterinarians and pet breeders will provide informational displays. Children 12 years and under will be admitted free. DIRECTIONS AND PARKING: Take Interstate 80 to Highway 113 and head north toward Woodland. Exit onto Hutchison Drive and go east (right) toward campus. At the first stop light, turn right onto La Rue Road, then turn right onto Garrod Drive. At the first stop sign turn right onto Veterinary Medicine Drive. Turn left into Parking Lot 50. There will be parking spots reserved for "Alternative Pets" media and guests. To park free, place a media business card on the dashboard of your vehicle.