Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital Participating in 8th Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 14, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital is joining with other local animal hospitals through the Portland Veterinary Medical Association to hold a pet food and supplies drive. Donations benefit the Portland Animal Welfare Team, the Audubon Society's Wildlife Care Center, Coffee Creek Puppy Program, and several local animal welfare agencies. Donation requests include over the counter dental/oral care products, flea preventatives, new or gently used collars and leashes, warm pet clothing, waste bags, cat litter, and other basic pet care supplies. Donations are being collected from November 15 through January 5.

To celebrate the holiday season, Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital is joining the Portland Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) and participating in the 8^th annual Holiday Pet Food Drive.

The drive collects food and basic pet supplies to assist local shelters and families in need throughout the Portland area.

"Each year, the drive grows even larger thanks to the generosity of community pet owners and veterinary team members," said Cedar Mill Veterinarian Dr. Rick White. "We are truly honored to participate in such a wonderful event that makes a tremendous difference for animals and families in need in our community."

This year, top donation requests include dry or canned pet food in original packaging. All good-quality brands are accepted. New or like-new harnesses, collars, halters, leashes and warm pet clothing – like raingear and sweatshirts – are especially needed.

PVMA is also collecting grooming supply basics including combs, brushes, shampoo, dental/oral care products, and flea/tick preventatives. Over-the-counter medications that are unexpired or only expired by less than six months are also welcome. PVMA requests no prescription pet medications, however, as these medications cannot be re-prescribed.

Basic medical supplies including sterile syringes, gauze and exam gloves, as well as cleaning supplies like bleach, laundry detergent and spot remover, are also in demand for local pet shelters. PVMA is currently unable to accept pet carriers, crates and dog houses/igloos.

The drive benefits the Audubon Society's Wildlife Care Center, the Portland Animal Welfare Team, the Coffee Creek Puppy Program, and several other Portland-based animal-welfare organizations.

The Audubon Society's Wildlife Care Center is the oldest and busiest wildlife rehabilitation facility in Oregon, treating roughly 3,000 wild animals each year and responding to more than 12,000 wildlife-related inquires.

The Coffee Creek Puppy Program is a canine companion prison puppy-raising program for Canine Companions for Independence, which provides service dogs to people with disabilities at no charge. The 46 inmates who have participated in the Coffee Creek Puppy Program have a zero recidivism rate.

Individuals wishing to donate any of the pet food or supplies listed can drop off donations to the veterinary hospital during business hours. Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital is located at 12790 NW Barnes Rd in Portland and is open Monday – Saturday. More information is available on the hospital's website: http://www.cedarmillvet.com/.