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
