College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (COVAS) is located on the NH 47 at Mannuthy, a suburb of Thrissur. The college came into existence in 1955 as Government Veterinary College. The college was inaugurated by then Chief Minister Sri E M S Namboothiripad. Initially, the college was affiliated to Kerala University and subsequently to Calicut University in 1966. It was later renamed as the Kerala Veterinary College and Research Institute for a short period. When the Kerala Agricultural University was formed in February 1972, the college was transferred to it and was renamed again as the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences. The college spans over 1.95  km² which includes the administrative and academic wing, animal science block, institutional farms, new clinical complex, veterinary hospitals (Mannuthy and Kokkalai), meat technology unit, dairy plant, various project offices, staff clubs, hostels, staff quarters, play grounds and sports pavilion. The 1(Kerala) Remount and Veterinary Squadron NCC unit located here is one of its kind in the state. It trains students for equestrian events.