Our Story

The Portland Veterinary Medical Association is a non-profit professional organization that represents over 385 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 73 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. We also support Canines Companions for Independence, a non-profit organzition that provides disabled individuals withe highly trained companion dogs. Nine member veterinary hospitals sponsor all of the veterinary care for these dogs while they are trained by inmatesin a tremendous program at a local correctional facility.The PVMA provides additional support throughout the year, as needed, by donating supplies and additional support to the program.

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.

 

Our Mission Statement

• To enhance the exchange of scientific knowledge
• To promote humane care and treatment of animals
• To promote public health and safety
• To advocate the human animal bond
• To serve as a communication link between the veterinary community and the public
   

2008-09 PVMA Executive Board of Directors