Our Story
The Portland Veterinary Medical Association is a non-profit professional organization that represents over 400 member veterinarians and their practices. The PVMA serves the greater Portland Metropolitan and SW Washington area. Throughout the year, the PVMA facilitates continuing education and networking opportunities for member doctors. In addition to monthly newsletter publications, annual community events and a referral service, the PVMA, along with many other local organizations and agencies, strives to educate the general public in an effort to improve animal welfare.
Our History
On the evening of July 14, 1936, in room 320 of the Heathman Hotel, 7 veterinarians gathered to organize the Portland Veterinary Medical Association. In 1939, the first officials were elected and in1959, the Constitution and Articles were accepted by the State of Oregon and the PVMA became a nonprofit association. Founding Members
The field of veterinary medicine has evolved over the last 76 years but the Mission of the Portland Veterinary Medical Association remains the same.
Our Efforts
Although the PVMA is a professional association providing numerous benefits to our members and the local veterinary community, we also serve the public in a multitude of ways. Throughout the year, we participate in a number of community events providing information, answering questions and interacting with pets and their companions. In addition, we are available Monday thru Friday durring regular office hours to answer questions and provide referrals to veterinarians and related services.
Coffee Creek Puppy Program
We also support Canines Companions for Independence, a non-profit organzition that provides disabled individuals with highly trained companion dogs. Ten member veterinary hospitals sponsor all of the veterinary care for these dogs while they are trained by inmatesin a tremendous program at a local women's prison, Coffee Creek Correctional Facility. The PVMA provides additional support throughout the year, as needed, by donating supplies and additional support to the program.
DoveLewis
In the early 1970’s Portland had no emergency hospital and many of veterinarians took their own emergencies. Some of the cases were easy, but many were more difficult and there was no place in town that could take care of a case overnight. Local veterinarians got together and decided to take turns providing emergency veterinary care.
Dr. Richard Werner had a client, Mr. A.B. Lewis who had just lost his wife and wanted to do something to honor her. Mr. Lewis donated money to start an emergency clinic and the Portland Veterinary Medical Association loaned money to the Non Profit that was formed. In the 1980’s a building at 20th and Pettygrove was purchased to house the hospital permanantly.
They still do that, but in 1992, Dove Lewis started providing Emergency Service and Critical Care 24 hours a day and over the years they have expanded their community outreach programs such at the Pet Loss Support Program, Blood Bank, Lost and Found Database, Community Education and several others. The PVMA and DoveLewis remain connected to this day.
Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland (ASAP)
The PVMA is a founding organization of the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland. Emphasizing the importance of spaying/neutering as a solution to the growing pet overpopulation problem in the Portland Metro area, leaders from Portland’s largest animal welfare organizations and the veterinary community have come together to form the ‘Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland’. The group’s mission is to end the euthanasia of healthy, social, and treatable cats and dogs in Portland-area shelters.
We are always open to hearing about projects and organizations in the Portland Metro Area that we can either help or that we may benefit from learning from.
Portland Public Parks and Recreation- Dog Parks
Portland Parks & Recreation’s off-leash areas are THE outdoor destination for pet recreation in the city. From booming social scenes to laid-back neighborhood play areas, the city’s 32 off-leash areas offer a wide variety of dog recreation. Starting in summer 2012, Portland Parks & Recreation and the Portland Veterinary Medical Association are partnering to connect with dog owners on how they can keep pets healthy for park play and for life. As part of the Pet Health for Parks campaign, PP&R and PVMA will:
- Create brochures with targeted messages about the benefits of dog exercise and socialization, vaccine education, parasite awareness, and other key health and wellness information
- Distribute brochures to Portland veterinary offices and at parks, with an initial print run of 5,000
- Create pet health and wellness specific signs for placement throughout dog areas
- Connect with dog owners during park visits and pet-themed events, such as the July dog-themed Movie in the Park
Our Mission Statement
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To enhance the exchange of scientific knowledge
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To promote humane care and treatment of animals
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To promote public health and safety
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To advocate the human animal bond
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To serve as a communication link between the veterinary community and the public