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This will be the eleventh year the PVMA Board of Directors has honored our amazing members and affiliated individuals by recognizing those who have given to our community and profession in exceptional ways. Any current PVMA member veterinarian will be eligible to submit one nomination for each award. Nominations will be accepted through February 28 th . Award recipients will be decided by the PVMA Board of Directors and announced at our November General Membership Meeting. The three award categories are: PVMA Veterinarian of the Year (any current PVMA member veterinarian is eligible) Awarded to a veterinarian who has made exceptional contributions to the profession and the Portland veterinary and animal welfare community through their practice, government appointments or volunteer efforts. PVMA Veterinary Team Member of the Year (any non-veterinarian team member is eligible) Recognition of a veterinary team member that has shown exceptional leadership and dedication in their practice and community. Outstanding Service (any allied/affiliated or veterinary professional is eligible) 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 excited to recognize some of the members of our amazing community. No doubt it will be a difficult decision each and every time! Nomination Form

With your help, we will be hosting our traditional pet food and supplies drive this winter! You make the bin, we make all the shareable social media posts! To be included as a collection location, please contact the PVMA office at 503‐228‐7387 or pvma@portlandvma.org so we may include your practice’s name in our promotions. **Note: Participation does require collected donations to be brought to the PVMA office for sorting and distribution. Recipients of the donations will be: Portland Animal Welfare Team : www.pawteam.org The Portland Animal Welfare Team is a grassroots, volunteer-powered nonprofit that provides vital veterinary services for over 1,000 Portland-area families per year, aiding individuals living on the streets, in transitional shelters or government housing, as well as those facing temporary financial hardship that restricts their access to medical care for their pets. For many of our clients, home is where their beloved companion animal is. PAW Team provides veterinary care through a robust medical program including weekday appointments and drop-in wellness clinics at our NE Portland facility. Our services include essential wellness, vaccinations, parasite prevention, medication, management of some chronic conditions, food, pet supplies, and so much more. We have no veterinarians on staff and rely on the generous time and energy of a network of volunteers to help power our clinics. Coffee Creek Puppy Program: www.canine.org A small group of adults in custody (AIC) at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility (CCCF), located in Wilsonville, raise puppies for Canine Companions. Canine Companions is a national non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities by providing highly trained service dogs. The AIC handlers raise the puppies for the first year and a half of the dog’s life. The AIC handler is responsible for the care and well-being of the dog 24 hours a day. PVMA member hospitals provide veterinary sponsorship while the dogs are in our area. To learn more about the PVMA partnership, visit our website. Items most needed/desired (some are suggestions for veterinary hospitals, others are for your clients!): · New or gently used (clean!) collars, leashes, harnesses and halters (harnesses and head halters are especially desired!) · New or gently used dog and cat toys- plush and tough chew (Kongs, Westpaw or Goughnut toys) · New or gently used warm pet clothing– sweatshirts, rain-gear, etc. · Over the counter products: dental/oral care, skin/joint/gi supplements (Probiotics, Wellactin, Dasaquin, Dermcaps, etc) · Grooming and general care tools, shampoo, nail clippers, ear cleaner, dog waste bags · Feline and Canine Flea & Heartworm Preventatives · Dry, canned, or pouch food– Any quality brand (MUST BE IN ORIGINAL PACKAGING) no more than 6 months past expiration · Training treats, pill pockets, pastes · Pet beds and blankets (new or very clean only) · Cat litter · General clinic & medical supplies: electric clippers, syringes (1cc, 3cc), syringe plugs, gauze, vetwrap, nitrile gloves, catheters, u/a strips, cleaning products, storage bins, odor eliminator, etc · Common use medications- Please visit, for a complete list: https://www.pawteam.org/medical-donations NOTE: We are not able to take controlled medications or dirty or damaged items. For a full list of PAW Team medical donation Wishlist items, visit: www.pawteam.org/donate/#anchor-medical-donations-wishlist Donations will be collected from through January 15th. To participate, veterinary practices must be able to bring collected donations to the PVMA office (located on SW Barbur Blvd at Capital Hwy): 10725 SW Barbur Blvd, Ste 120, Portland, OR 97219 for sorting and distribution. PLEASE CALL or EMAIL in advance, as we are not in office every day: 503-228-7387 or pvma@portlandvma.org Participating veterinary practices and locations: Bethany Family Pet Clinic Willamette Valley Animal Hospital Rose City Veterinary Hospital Synergy Veterinary Behavior Pearl Animal Hospital Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Tualatin Tanasbourne Veterinary Emergency Pearl Animal Hospital OREV, Specialty Vet Care Pacific Northwest Pet ER & Specialty Fern Hill Veterinary Care Fremont Veterinary Clinic Wilsonville Veterinary Clinic VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists Peak to Coast Veterinary Specialists North Plains Veterinary Clinic

Daniel Rost, CVT OVMA Board Director- Membership The In 1993, National Veterinary Technician Week was introduced by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our veterinary teams. This year, on its 31st anniversary, the Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association (OVTAA) stands firm in echoing that sentiment: our veterinary technicians and assistants are not just vital – they’re irreplaceable. The special anniversary week starts October 13th and lasts through October 19th, 2024. The Contemporary Need for Recognition The evolution of veterinary medicine, especially in the backdrop of Oregon’s increasing demand for veterinary care, has seen vet techs taking on broader responsibilities. From client education to advanced procedures, their versatility is astounding. This week serves as a reminder of their ever-growing importance in our ecosystem. A Call to Action for Oregon’s Veterinary Clinics Genuine Recognition: Now, more than ever, it’s vital for clinics across Oregon to ensure that their techs and assistants feel valued not just this week, but every day. Their feedback, insights, and well-being should be at the forefront of practice decisions. Engage and Reflect: Host sessions where your teams can reminisce about their journey, share their motivating stories, and discuss the future of veterinary tech in Oregon. It’s a rejuvenating experience that strengthens team bonds. Invest in Their Future: Encourage their academic and skill advancement. By sponsoring their participation in continuing education courses, you underline your commitment to their growth. Unique Ways to Celebrate Animal Therapy at the Clinic: How about something both therapeutic and delightful? Consider renting baby goats to provide several hours of goat therapy at your clinic. Organizations like Portland Goat Parties offer such unique experiences that staff will cherish. Cinematic Appreciation: Rent out a movie theater for a staff and family movie night. Celebrate the bond, dedication, and camaraderie that make your team truly special. Personalized Tokens of Gratitude: Immortalize the connection each staff member has with their pets. Have a photo of the staff’s beloved animal printed on a t-shirt or tote bag. Additionally, consider giving engraved or personalized water bottles or lunch containers as thoughtful tokens of appreciation. Art, Pets, and Relaxation: Host a “Paint and Sip” evening, where your team can paint portraits of their pets while enjoying a refreshing beverage. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation, creativity, and connection. Ideas for Oregon vendors include Board and Brush, Bottle and Bottega, and Pop and Paint. In-Clinic Surprises: Organize special relaxation zones, wellness activities, or collaborate with local massage therapists to bring chair massages to the clinics. Food and beverages always hit the mark – think about bringing a mobile coffee cart or arranging a catered lunch. Time – The Precious Gift: Sometimes, the most cherished gift is time. Offer additional vacation days as a nod to their dedication and a chance for them to rejuvenate. Support Local: Partner with Oregon’s local businesses for exclusive offers tailored for our techs. It’s an opportunity to show our appreciation while also bolstering our local community. Remember, these gestures, big or small, go a long way in showcasing the depth of our appreciation. They serve as tangible tokens of gratitude for the tireless work and unwavering passion our veterinary technicians and assistants bring to the table every single day. As the Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association (OVTAA) marks the 31st anniversary of National Veterinary Technician Week, we call on every practice, pet parent, and animal lover in Oregon to join us. Let’s ensure that our celebrations genuinely represent the depth of our appreciation for these incredible professionals. They’re the heart and soul of what we do, and their dedication is the cornerstone of veterinary excellence.

The Portland Veterinary Medical Association is intentionally planning to take a brief pause from events and continuing education presentations during the summer months so everyone can enjoy this limited fair-weather time. We will be returning to our full event/CE schedule beginning in September. A few social opportunities will be available to members over the summer to keep everyone connected. Members can look forward to receiving invitations for those soon!  The office will be fully staffed over the summer however, as we work on solidifying the scheduling for the upcoming year and some restructuring to better suit the needs of the community. There will be occasional closures as our team attends meetings off-site and takes time off for long weekends. During this time, members will continue to have access for self-serve use of CE recordings, the Career Center, and much more via member accounts on the PVMA website and through the PVMA Smartphone App. Peer support can be found in our members‐only FaceBook groups, phone app groups, and website community platform.

The Oregon Veterinary Technician and Assistant Association is honored to recognize individuals that have gone above and beyond for the veterinary profession, our community, and the people in it. We are proud to announce the following 2024 OVTAA Awards recipients:

The Portland Veterinary Medical Association is honored to recognize individuals that have gone above and beyond for the veterinary profession, our community, and the people in it. We are proud to announce the following 2024 PVMA Awards recipients:

The OVTAA VITAL Program offers veterinary practice managers the opportunity to complete a personal and professional development program comprised of in-person educational opportunities and activities over a 6-month period. The VITAL Program offers veterinary practice managers the opportunity to participate in a six month program...

With your help, we will be hosting our traditional pet food and supplies drive this winter! You make the bin, we provide a flier and shareable social media posts. To be included as a collection location, please contact the PVMA office at 503‐228‐7387 or pvma@portlandvma.org...