Portland Animal Welfare Team

In the heart of Portland, Oregon, where the bond between a person and their pet is a cherished part of life, there's a special organization dedicated to supporting this connection when times are tough. The Portland Animal Welfare Team, more commonly known as PAW Team, is a vital resource for local residents who are experiencing houselessness or extreme poverty. As a grassroots, volunteer-powered nonprofit, PAW Team's mission is clear and compassionate: to save lives, alleviate suffering, and keep pets and people together by providing free and low-cost veterinary care. They understand that for many, a companion animal is more than just a pet; it’s a source of unconditional love, comfort, and a reason to keep going. For Portlanders who face significant financial hardship, having access to these essential services means they don’t have to choose between their own basic needs and the health of their beloved animal. This article serves as an overview of PAW Team’s incredible work, detailing how they serve the community and why they are such an important part of the Portland social safety net.

PAW Team’s work is deeply rooted in the community, and their services are driven by the support of local volunteers, including dedicated veterinarians who generously donate their time and expertise. This collaborative model allows them to provide a high level of care to pets that would otherwise go without. The clinic has evolved from its humble beginnings of pop-up clinics on street corners to a permanent, accessible facility where they provide a consistent and comprehensive approach to medical treatment. This growth is a testament to the community's need for their services and the dedication of the team behind it. They serve thousands of families each year, and their impact is felt not only in the health of the pets they treat but also in the lives of the people who love them. For locals seeking a compassionate and caring team that truly understands the human-animal bond, PAW Team is a place where you'll find not only veterinary care but also a community of support.

The PAW Team clinic is situated in a convenient location for those in the Portland area. Their address is 1718 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA. This location in Northeast Portland is easily accessible and well-known to the community they serve. The clinic is located just a couple of blocks north of the NE 82nd Ave MAX Station and is also along the 72 Trimet bus line, making it reachable via public transportation. For those arriving on foot, the facility is designed to be accessible, with options including an ADA-accessible ramp. This consideration for accessibility is crucial for their clients, ensuring that people with varying levels of mobility can bring their pets for care. The central location helps ensure that as many local residents as possible can access their life-saving and life-enhancing services without the added stress of a long or difficult journey.

PAW Team offers a comprehensive array of veterinary services and support designed to meet the fundamental needs of cats and dogs. Their program focuses on providing preventative care and addressing chronic conditions in a consistent and supportive manner. The services are offered on a free or low-cost basis, making them a crucial resource for pet owners who would otherwise be unable to afford veterinary care. These services are delivered through a volunteer-powered medical program that includes both regular weekday appointments and occasional weekend clinics, along with off-site outreach efforts at various shelters and community centers. The following list outlines some of the key services provided:

• Wellness Exams and Vaccinations: Providing essential check-ups and a full range of vaccinations to protect pets from common diseases.
• Spay/Neuter Services: Offering free surgeries to help control pet overpopulation and improve the health of individual animals.
• Parasite Prevention: Supplying flea and parasite control to keep pets comfortable and healthy.
• Medication Management: Providing access to a variety of medications for the management of chronic conditions such as thyroid, kidney, or heart disease.
• Pet Supply Bank: Operating a free pet supply bank stocked with donations of food, collars, leashes, toys, and other essentials for anyone in need.
• Microchipping and Licensing: Helping to ensure pets can be reunited with their families if they get lost, and offering county licenses at a discounted cost.

What makes PAW Team truly stand out in the local community are its unique features and its unwavering commitment to its mission. A primary highlight is their status as a volunteer-powered organization. The veterinarians and staff who work there are often volunteers from the community who believe in the mission and dedicate their time and energy to serve pets and people in need. This creates a warm, supportive, and compassionate environment, as evidenced by customer reviews. One client noted, "They are super nice and seem happy to help out with my companion... Cypher." The genuine care and kindness of the staff are frequently mentioned and are a cornerstone of their service. Another standout feature is their Pet Supply Bank. This program, stocked entirely by community donations, ensures that clients can receive essential items like food, toys, and supplies to keep their pets happy and healthy at no cost. The clinic's focus on "keeping pets and people together" is another highlight, demonstrating their understanding that the well-being of the pet is intrinsically linked to the well-being of the owner. They go beyond just medical care, providing a holistic support system that empowers people to be the best pet parents they can be, regardless of their financial situation. This is why clients feel so supported, with one review mentioning, "I love the help I've gotten for my new baby. I received 2 free collars because she grew out of one clothes to keep her warm as a baby. They have helped me with supplies for her so she can enjoy a good girl life."

• Volunteer-Powered Compassion: The clinic is run by dedicated volunteers, including veterinarians, which fosters a genuinely caring and friendly atmosphere.
• Free and Low-Cost Services: They provide essential veterinary care, including vaccinations and spay/neuter services, to those who could not otherwise afford it.
• Extensive Pet Supply Bank: The clinic offers a wide range of donated pet supplies, from food to collars and toys, at no cost to clients.
• Holistic Support: PAW Team’s mission extends beyond medical care to include emotional and material support, strengthening the human-animal bond.
• Community-Oriented: The organization's roots and continued operation are a direct result of community support and local volunteerism, making it a true Portland institution.

To reach out to the Portland Animal Welfare Team for assistance or to learn more about their programs, you can use the following contact information. Their phone number is (503) 206-6033. It is important to note that this is a message line, as the clinic does not always have staff available to answer phones live. Their physical location is 1718 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA. The team is dedicated to being as responsive as possible and encourages people to visit their website for the most up-to-date information on clinic hours, services, and eligibility requirements. For locals seeking support, having this information readily available is the first step toward accessing the care their pets need.

For locals in the Portland, Oregon area, PAW Team is far more than just a veterinary clinic; it is a critical community resource and a symbol of compassionate support. It is an ideal place for people experiencing houselessness or extreme poverty because its entire model is built around removing financial barriers to pet care. The organization's commitment to providing free and low-cost services, combined with the kindness and generosity of its volunteer staff, makes it a welcoming and trustworthy place. The provision of free supplies from their Pet Supply Bank and their focus on keeping pets and people together demonstrates a deep understanding of the unique challenges their clients face. For anyone in the Portland region in need of assistance for their pet, PAW Team offers a vital lifeline—a place where both the animal and the person who loves them are treated with dignity, respect, and exceptional care. This is a place that truly embodies the spirit of Portland by helping its most vulnerable residents and their companions.

Portland Animal Welfare Team

1718 NE 82nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220, USA