Portland Veterinary Medical Association

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.

Veterinarian of the Year is 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.

We are proud to announce the 2026 PVMA Veterinarian of the Year Award goes to Dr. Kris Ellingsen.

Excerpt from Dr. Lord’s nomination outlining why Dr. Ellingsen is such a deserving award recipient: “I came to PDX 24 years ago and have seen many changes in our profession over time. Most of us have cycled through jobs, phased in and out of the field, and adjusted our niches. Few have remained stalwart in their missions, especially ones to provide care for underserved populations such as The Cat. We all know that cats are not small dogs, they are a very unique species, requiring a specialized skill set of patience, delicacy, and continuing education as the academics catch up to knowledge of their needs.

Dr. Kris Ellingsen has dedicated herself to this community throughout her career working not just with Cat Care Professionals but also with the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO), tirelessly doing High Quality High Volume Spay Neuter (HQHVSN) surgeries, serving on their board for more than 16 years, and leading as their president for 10 years. I’ve worked alongside Dr. Ellingsen for the majority of these years and she perseveres in the care of cats, simply making adjustments in her scheduling. I’ve never seen her appear fatigued or low in spirit.

She’s always ready with an answer when I ask about any new and/or controversial options for feline medicine and surgery. And I trust her implicitly if we need to face a surgical decision or complication during our HQHVSN shifts together.

She has never expected gratitude or asked for recognition so it’s a terrific honor to nominate her for the PVMA Veterinarian of the Year award on behalf of the entire FCCO cadre."

Last night we celebrated the 30th year of the Coffee Creek Puppy Program- raising puppies for Canine Companions. It also coincided with Canine Companion's 50th anniversary and the 20th year of the PVMA supporting the program. The matriculation ceremony include multiple graduates traveling from far and wide to attend plus volunteers, supporters, sponsors, Canine Companion staff members, and Coffee Creek staff members.

Thank you to all those PVMA member veterinary hospitals who provide sponsored care to the program dogs while they are in training, and all those who have participated in the past.

A special acknowledgment of the three hospitals that have sponsored dogs the entirety of the 20 years: Rose City Veterinary Hospital, VCA Murrayhill Veterinary Hospital, and East Hills Animal Clinic. Thank you for your dedication to the program, the dogs, and all the lives touched along the way!