Mertens Mammals

For animal owners in Oregon, particularly those in Clackamas County and the greater Portland area, finding a veterinary practice that understands both the medical and behavioral aspects of animal health is a true asset. Mertens Mammals, led by Dr. Kath Mertens, is a unique and highly respected practice that seamlessly combines veterinary expertise with specialized positive reinforcement training for horses and dogs. This integrated approach sets them apart, as they focus on the total health of your animal: physical, mental, and emotional. Whether you're a horse owner dealing with complex equine health issues or a dog owner seeking to improve your pet's behavior, Mertens Mammals offers a compassionate and science-based solution.

The philosophy at Mertens Mammals is rooted in the belief that a strong, trusting bond is essential for a happy and healthy animal. Dr. Mertens and her team are dedicated to helping pet owners overcome behavioral challenges, particularly those that may arise during veterinary procedures or day-to-day life. As one client shared, Dr. Mertens is an "exemplary human being" who not only provides great veterinary care but also "takes the time to help us cope with the stresses of animal injuries." This level of empathy and dedication to both the animals and their owners is what has earned them a reputation for excellence. They utilize positive reinforcement training methods, such as clicker training, which are scientifically proven to be humane and effective, fostering a relationship built on trust rather than force.

Dr. Mertens herself is a highly accomplished and passionate professional, with a background that includes working with horses across the globe. Her dedication to studying equines from both a medical and horsemanship perspective gives her a unique ability to address a wide array of needs for large animals. For dogs and other small animals, the team's expertise in behavioral health ensures that every interaction is handled with care, making even routine visits less stressful. The practice's commitment to humane and ethical solutions is a significant reason why clients choose them for the long term.

Mertens Mammals is located at 28080 SE Hwy 212 # 1E, Boring, OR 97009, USA. This location makes them a convenient choice for animal owners throughout the Boring area and beyond. The clinic is strategically positioned to serve clients in Clackamas County and the wider Portland metro area, particularly those with horses who require mobile veterinary services. The facility itself is designed with accessibility in mind, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. These features ensure that all clients, regardless of mobility, can easily access their services. Appointments are recommended, allowing the team to provide dedicated and personalized attention to each patient and their owner, which is crucial for both veterinary care and in-depth training sessions.

The practice offers a unique blend of veterinary and training services, focusing on the specialized needs of both small and large animals.

Services offered include:

• Veterinary Medicine: Equine veterinary medicine, general veterinary services for small animals, diagnostic imaging, and microchip identification.
• Training and Behavioral Services: Dog training, horse training, and positive reinforcement training methods to address challenging behaviors.
• Medical and Surgical Procedures: General veterinary care, including standard upkeep and vaccines, as well as handling and treating injuries.
• Pain Management and Comfort Care: Providing compassionate care, including home euthanasia services.
• Convenience and Technology: Offering an online pharmacy for easy prescription refills.

Mertens Mammals has several key features that set it apart from traditional veterinary clinics in Oregon.

Key Features and Highlights:

• Integrated Veterinary and Training Approach: The clinic is one of the only practices in the Pacific Northwest to combine veterinary expertise with positive reinforcement training for horses and dogs, offering a truly holistic solution.
• Exceptional Compassion: Dr. Mertens and her team are praised for their genuine kindness and empathy, particularly in stressful situations, and for taking the time to support pet owners.
• Deep Equine Expertise: With a focus on equine veterinary medicine and training, the practice is a go-to resource for horse owners in the area, offering a unique blend of medical and behavioral knowledge.
• Emphasis on Humane Methods: The clinic exclusively uses positive reinforcement, clicker training, and science-based methods, ensuring all interactions are humane and ethical.
• Long-Standing Trust: A client's review, highlighting nearly two decades of loyalty, speaks to the practice’s reliability and consistent quality of care.

If you need to contact Mertens Mammals for a veterinary or training appointment, you can reach them at:

Address: 28080 SE Hwy 212 # 1E, Boring, OR 97009, USA

Phone: (503) 663-6400

What is worth choosing Mertens Mammals for your animal's care? The decision to work with this practice is a personal one, often made by those who value a comprehensive and compassionate approach. A powerful testimonial from a long-time client states, "Kath has been our Vet for almost 2 decades. There are very few people in life that you can trust to always do a great job, Kath is one of those people." This review highlights the profound level of trust that Dr. Mertens has built with her clients.

The unique combination of medical and behavioral expertise means that Mertens Mammals can address a wide range of issues that might require two separate professionals elsewhere. The ability to help an animal with a physical injury while also addressing their emotional stress is invaluable. For animal owners in Oregon who are looking for a trusted partner who will not only treat their animal's physical ailments but also help them understand their animal's world and improve their relationship, Mertens Mammals offers a service that is both rare and deeply beneficial. Their commitment to being an "exemplary human being" as much as a "great Vet" is what makes them a truly special and valuable resource in the community.

Mertens Mammals

28080 SE Hwy 212 # 1E, Boring, OR 97009, USA