In November, PAW Team began a new partnership with Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) to ensure that survivors of domestic and sexual violence can quickly obtain care for their pets while seeking safety for themselves. All care is coordinated between PAW Team and CWS to lessen the burden that survivors face during this transition. Thanks to this collaboration thus far, we have provided veterinary care for 20 pets whose families are entering safe shelter or transitioning into longer-term housing. A special acknowledgement is owed to the PAW Team volunteer veterinarians who stay after their regularly scheduled shifts to facilitate these time-sensitive services.
PAW Team Invited to Address a National Audience
Earlier this year, PAW Team was invited by the Human-Animal Bond Association to speak at two national conferences: The Veterinary Meeting and Expo in Orlando, Florida, and the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. PAW Team had the opportunity to speak about why expanding access to veterinary care isn’t just aspirational — it’s essential. We were honored to share our work and perspective with veterinary professionals from around the country.Thanks to our incredible speaker Melody Martínez and Co-Directors Nicole Perkins and Briana Shrode for representing Portland’s work in this field.
Melody Martinez, CVT, a PAW Team medical volunteer at WVC, 2026.
Space to Grow
PAW Team’s new clinic space opened January 6th, and so far we have provided 426 veterinary appointments for pets in our community!
Our expansion includes a bright and welcoming waiting room featuring a mural by Margaret Klement. We have also added two private exam rooms, where volunteer veterinarians can have in-depth conversations with our clients about their pets' health.
This expansion was a labor of love from our staff, volunteers, and our critical partners Norwest Contractors and River Hawk Construction.
But NONE of it would have been possible without you, our dedicated supporters!
Thank you for bringing this dream to life!
