Portland pet owners who are homeless or living in extreme poverty have access to free veterinary care for their animals through a volunteer, donation-funded program called PAW Team. This unique group of veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other veterinary welfare organizations offer monthly free clinics providing preventative and basic health care for pets. The PAW Team programs also include:

• A phone and email advice line staffed by veterinary technicians
• Spay and Neuter services
• Chronic care management
• Prescription diets (pet food also available through the Pongo Fund)
• Client education

PAW Team was organized in 2003 as a way to consolidate individual efforts and resources and better service our at risk pet community.  In the beginning, clinics were offered four times a year and cared for 20 to 40 pets at a time. In 2010, the PAW Team increased the frequency of their clinics to once a month with an average of 142 pets per monthly clinic. Clinics are located at 3016 SE Division (corner of 30th and Division) and appointments are offered on a first come, first serve basis. Pets are seen between 1pm and 4pm but as word has spread so has the demand for care. People wait for hours in line to be seen and some may be turned away until the next clinic.

Some of the patients who are seen are suffering with conditions that can only be corrected with a surgical procedure. Many of these pets have been living with painful debilitating conditions for months. Kissy was one of those pets. Kissy is an adult cat whose owner noticed she was losing weight, not wanting to eat, and drooling. She was seen at multiple PAW clinics. Kissy suffered from inflammatory stomatitis; a painful condition of the mouth where the body becomes allergic to their teeth. Their gums become inflamed and swollen leading to pain and infection. The only way to alleviate their discomfort is to remove all the teeth.

Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital along with Dr. Susan Morgan has collaborated with PAW Team to provide a facility and support staff to assist with these special surgical cases. Kissy had her dental procedure at Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital in June and is now pain free and back to eating well.

To donate either your time or resources to PAW Team please visit  

Portland Animal Welfare Team

I grew up in the Rocky Mountain foothills near Boulder Colorado, and graduated from Colorado State University with my veterinary degree in 2005. During veterinary school, I participated in an internship in wildlife rehabilitation, which sparked my interest in exotic pets. I have had the privilege to treat many species, from snakes and iguanas to guinea pigs and rats, and love being able to include these pets in my practice.

Shortly after graduation, I completed a rigorous medical acupuncture course earning my certification in veterinary acupuncture. I am proud to be able to include this healing modality in my comprehensive "toolbox". My interest in acupuncture, companion animals and exotic pets brought me to Portland after graduation, where I worked for several years in an integrative practice. Integrative, or "complementary", medicine is a focus of mine. I strive to look at all of my patients holistically, keeping the entire body in mind, rather than just the problem at hand. This approach allows me to utilize all of my available resources to better care for my patients. Often times, my treatments are western medicine based, but herbal medications, diet, or acupuncture frequently become part of my plan.

I adore being a veterinarian. Besides my integrative background, I also have a strong interest in dentistry, internal medicine and behavior. I am active with the Portland Animal Welfare team, where we provide free veterinary care for the pets of the homeless and extremely impoverished. I am also involved with the Rabbit Advocates. I have an adorable ex-laboratory cat named Finky, and we share my NE Portland home with my little running buddy, my adopted mix-breed dog, Goblin. If I'm not working or running with my dog, you'll likely find me curled up with a mosaic project or with a great movie.

Can't wait to meet you,

Becky Prull, DVM  

After 13 years of practicing medicine, all of them at Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital, it's time for me to take a small break.  Beginning August 2011, my husband and I are taking advantage of his one-year sabbatical.  We intend to travel a bit, spend time with our families, and spend the winter in the Rockies.  When we return to Portland, I intend to pursue part-time or relief veterinary work in an effort to improve my life-work balance.   I am hoping to revisit my position at Northwest Neighborhood Veterinary Hospital when I return, so you are likely to see me back here in some capacity in 2012.

It is difficult to leave my loyal clients, but I know I'm leaving you in good hands.  First of all, we've added a great new veterinarian to our team.  After a long search for an experienced and enthusiastic veterinarian, we found Dr. Becky Prull.  She will be picking up where I leave off at the end of July.  She is very personable and approachable and is dedicated to providing the excellent, individualized medicine that you and your pets deserve.

And most of you have already met Dr. Gowing, Dr. Shuler, Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Fleming at one time or another.  They are each remarkably skilled doctors.  After spending several years working closely with them I can honestly say our veterinarians are the most talented and caring doctors in the area.  And I think you'll agree that the rest of the team is fantastic, too.  I am so grateful to have worked with such a wonderful group of people.

I am grateful, too, for the friendships and personal connections I've made with so many of you over the years.  This community is truly remarkable and I am so honored to have been a part of your lives.  Thank you for years of loyalty and trusting me in the care of your beloved family members. 

Fondly,

Kim Maun, DVM Dr Maun Bio