Portland Veterinary Medical Association

10/08/2026

Join us tonight! Zoom registration required and limited to current PVMA and OVTAA memebers.

Visit: www.portlandvma.org

10/07/2026

The PVMA Board of Directors meets frequently in order to stay on top of all the programs and events we offer...and we are often joined by personal pets, service dogs in training, and last night...foster kittens! We could be more efficient at times, but kittens do need cuddling! 😍

09/23/2026

The Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association is pursuing title protections for Veterinary Technicians in Oregon, and it is no small undertaking. They need the help of the veterinary professional, and all those who love veterinary technicians!

To accomplish title protection, it is a legislative process, so the costs (and timeline) to move things forward are an estimate, but there is a strong plan in place and things are now moving quickly. Please consider supporting this big step towards more security for these vital professionals.

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-us-pursue-veterinary-technician-title-protection-in-oregon

09/17/2026

Attending AAHA Con at the Oregon Convention Center? Stop by the PVMA/OVTAA table in the exhibit hall and say hello!

09/10/2026

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. At NOMV, our focus is helping veterinary professionals find the support and resources they need to survive and thrive in this profession.

If you're struggling, there are places to turn.

NOMV offers peer support, mental health resources, educational materials, and workplace resources for the veterinary community.

You don't have to wait until things get worse to look for support.

Start here: nomv.org

***dePreventionDay

07/15/2026

Celebrating 90 years of community!

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 in 1959, the Constitution and Articles were accepted by the State of Oregon and the PVMA became a nonprofit association.

As we celebrate this special anniversary, it is always fun to hear the stories of how the community has grown and evolved over the decades. We would love to hear more of these stories- Emails are encouraged and photos of you and your hospital over the years would be wonderful. Posting to our members-only Facebook group is also a great way to share.

Preserving the unique history of our community is incredibly important to us and we look forward to sharing it with generations to come.

Q: Which veterinary hospital is the oldest (still in existence) in Portland?
A: Rose City Veterinary Hospital was started in 1910 by Dr. Gus Huthman, who is also one of the founding veterinarians of the PVMA. It was moved to its current location on SE Powell Blvd in the 1950s. Powell Veterinary Center (originally Canine Clinic and Hospital) was built in 1929, the same building that exists today on Powell Blvd!

PVMA Code of Ethics (from 1939)
Section 1: Members of this association are expected to conduct themselves at all times as professional gentleman. (My, have the demographics of veterinary medicine changed!)
The PVMA’s early business meetings consisted mostly of: Determining set fees for all Portland veterinary hospitals, sharing medical papers, arranging Kennel Club Dog Show details, and making arrangements for veterinary care at the racetracks.

Pictured: Dr. CF Milleson, one of the founding members of the PVMA and the 1st PVMA President

07/03/2026

To our PVMA Community,

Across Oregon and throughout the country, many in our profession are feeling the weight of a rapidly shifting political and social climate. These pressures do not stay outside our clinic doors—they follow us into exam rooms, treatment areas, and conversations with one another. We recognize how challenging it can be to remain grounded while caring for patients, supporting coworkers, and serving clients with professionalism and compassion.

We also understand that economic uncertainty is adding strain for both veterinary teams and the families we serve. Financial conversations around a pet’s care can be emotionally charged, especially when clients are navigating their own hardships. These moments can leave veterinary professionals carrying stress that is both personal and collective.

As your association, we want to acknowledge the reality of what many are experiencing. The Portland Veterinary Medical Association remains committed to supporting you—through advocacy, continuing education, wellbeing resources, and a culture rooted in respect and mutual care. Our goal is to ensure that every member feels connected, valued, and supported, especially during times when the world feels unpredictable.

Veterinary professionals have long been a steady, compassionate presence in their communities. Your resilience, integrity, and dedication do not go unnoticed. Even in difficult moments, you continue to show up for animals, for clients, and for each other.

We believe deeply in the strength of community. Now more than ever, we encourage all members of the Portland veterinary community to come together—to listen, to support, and to uplift one another. None of us are navigating these challenges alone, and together we can foster a profession defined not only by medical excellence, but by empathy and solidarity.

Thank you for the work you do each day. We are honored to stand with you as we move forward with care, compassion, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our profession and the communities we serve.

With appreciation,
The Portland Veterinary Medical Association Board

05/06/2026

A bigfoot sized THANK YOU goes out to our Rose City Veterinary Conference sponsors!

Your support makes this event possible and we are sincerely grateful! With the help of our amazing sponsors, we are accomplishing our dream to build a collaborative program that offers a place for our veterinary community to gather, learn and connect.

An extra enthusiastic shout out to our Presenting Sponsors, Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin and our Wrap Party Sponsors, BnK Construction Inc and BluePearl Pet Hospital!

Rose City Veterinary Conference 2026 was sponsored by:
• Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin
• BluePearl Pet Hospital (NE Portland & SW Portland)
• BnK Construction Inc.
• DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital
• Norwest Contractors
• Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Center
• Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency
• Dunn Carney LLP
• First Citizens Bank
• MedVet (Vancouver)
• Pine Point Construction
• Top Kohlbush + Hoem
• VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists
• Banfield Pet Hospital
• MWI Animal Health
• Nutramax Laboratories
• Sunstone Veterinary Specialists
• Veterinary Cancer & Surgery Specialists

For more details on the Rose City Veterinary Conference, check out our website!

04/28/2026

The Portland Veterinary Medical Association is honored to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond for the veterinary profession, our community, and the people in it.

Outstanding Service of the Year is honoring an individual, organization or company that has promoted the veterinary profession and the welfare of animals within the Portland metro area through education, research, practice, and volunteerism.

We are proud to announce the 2026 PVMA Outstanding Service of the Year Award goes to…
Bird Alliance of Oregon. This organization was nominated by Dr. Lindsay Thurwachter.

Excerpt from Dr. Thurwachter’s nomination outlining why The Bird Alliance of Oregon is such a deserving award recipient: “Over the past several years, Bird Alliance has navigated extraordinary challenges, including flooding and facility damage, persistent funding shortages, and ongoing staffing constraints. Despite these obstacles, the organization has experienced record numbers of wildlife patients with little to no downtime, remaining at or near capacity throughout the winter months. Through it all, the team consistently shows up for one another, for their volunteers, and for the broader Portland community. Their commitment to education and outreach inspires public engagement and stewardship, even as they compassionately care for animals facing high rates of injury and euthanasia. The dedication, teamwork, and resilience demonstrated by the assistants, technicians, and veterinarians at Bird Alliance exemplify exceptional community service and an unwavering commitment to wildlife care every single day of the year.”

Learn more about all our 2026 PVMA Award recipients on our website www.portlandvma.org

04/24/2026

The Portland Veterinary Medical Association is honored to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond for the veterinary profession, our community, and the people in it.

Veterinary Team Member of the Year is awarded to recognize a veterinary team member that has shown exceptional leadership and dedication in their practice and community.

We are proud to announce the 2026 PVMA Veterinary Team Member of the Year Award goes to Gabe Sasse, CVPM and she was nominated by Dr. Alyssa Monteith.

Excerpt from Dr. Monteith’s nomination outlining why Gabe is such a deserving award recipient: “I am nominating Gabe Sasse for this award because she deserves recognition for all her hard work. I have known Gabe for less than a year but quickly learned that she cares very much for her team. She is always coming up with new ways to keep our spirits high even when the job gets tiresome, with a constant supply of snacks and even some games and competition.

Gabe is always available to listen to concerns and new ideas. When presented with difficult situations, it is so comforting to know that we have her as a resource and that she will support us. Even outside of the clinic, Gabe encourages us to pursue opportunities to broaden our skillsets and is so helpful at making these opportunities possible. I am very thankful to have her as a part of my team!

Additionally, she is incredibly active in supporting and helping grow practice managers through her work with the OVTAA and specifically as facilitator of the VITAL program. She volunteers to represent and help both the PVMA and OVTAA any chance she gets.”

Learn more about all our 2026 PVMA Award recipients- check out our website!