A dream came true at the Oregon Humane Society with the official opening of the nation’s first Animal Medical and Learning Center last fall.

The September 18, 2007 ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the beginning of a new era of round-the-clock medical care for shelter animals at a state-of-the-art hospital adjoining the existing shelter.

The medical facility is a one-of-a-kind partnership between OHS and the Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Students from OSU complete a two-week residency at the center as part of their graduation requirement. The students – as many as six at a time – live in dorms above the medical center and work with a full-time OSU faculty member and OHS medical staff.

“This is the ultimate win-win situation for the students and animals,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS executive director. “We’ll keep the OSU students plenty busy with everything from diagnoses to surgery.”

By treating and healing pets faster, Harmon predicted that OHS would be able to reduce the average animal’s stay by 20 percent – which means that OHS should be able to bring 20 percent more animals into the shelter.

About 10,000 animals a year come through OHS, and about half of those will need spay and neuter surgery at the new clinic. Another 1,000 animals will likely require additional care in the center, particularly foster animals.

The 4,000 sq. ft. medical area includes examination and surgery rooms, digital imaging capabilities, an animal behavior program and additional capacity for standard and critical care.

Upstairs are dormitory rooms, and having students so close by is exceptionally convenient, said Kris Otteman, OHS director of shelter medicine.

“We’ll put them to work,” said Otteman. “And this is exactly the kind of experience that will make students into better professionals – learning about high volume, high quality medicine and surgery in a state-of-the-art facility.”

For more information on the OHS Animal Medical & Learning Center, check out the Oregon Humane Society’s official website.