The primary goal of Pend Oreille Veterinary Service is to be a leader in the veterinary profession providing our clients with the highest standard of care and customer service. Our 103 combined years of service and knowledge in the veterinary profession gives you the peace of mind that your pet is receiving the best care in the industry.
Visit our Picture Gallery to view photos of our caring, knowledgable staff. We care for not only your pet but for you as if you were family; because to us you are!
Chuck joined Pend Oreille Veterinary Service after graduating from Colorado State University in 1988. He was raised in Southern Idaho and Northern Utah. While enjoying all aspects of the veterinary practice, his special areas of interest are small animal orthopedics and the unique needs of sporting dogs. Outside of veterinary medicine and surgery, Chuck actively enjoys most kinds of outdoor activities.
Bruce graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1991 and joined Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in 1995. Bruce enjoys working with both cats and dogs with special interests in acupuncture and treating exotic animals. When not at the clinic he enjoys spending time outdoors. Skiing, hiking and canoeing are just a few of the activities that Bruce enjoys in his spare time.
Christine graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She has practiced small animal medicine in Pittsburgh, PA and New Orleans, LA before joining Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in 2005. She has special interests in ultrasound, endoscopy, internal medicine and oncology/hematology. When not practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys hiking, running, snowboarding, dog agility and spending time with her family.
Dr. Ponsness has been with our team since 2013 as a full time associate veterinarian at Pend Oreille Veterinary Service. She enjoys working closely with clients to meet the needs of their dogs, cats and small mammals. Her special interests include oncology, soft tissue surgery, preventative care and specialty care for the geriatric family pet. She completed her undergraduate education at Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA prior to attending veterinary school at Washington State University. Growing up in Seattle, Dr. Ponsness always enjoyed vacations to Northern Idaho and jumped at the opportunity to relocate to Sandpoint in 2008. She lives here with her husband, children, and two spoiled golden retrievers- Peyton and Eli. When she is not at the clinic, Chrissy and her family enjoy most things the outdoors; such as boating, fishing, hiking, camping, skiing and snowboarding.
Jerry graduated from Colorado State University and established Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in June, 1964. He and his wife Pat have four children and eleven grandchildren. Dr. Lewis enjoys every aspect of the practice and believes that providing excellent client service is one of his greatest strengths. He was president of the Idaho Veterinary Medical Association in 1983 and chosen Idaho Practitioner of the Year in 1986. He was Idaho Tree Farmer of the year for 2000.
Mary Jane graduated from University of Tennessee in 1989. She joined the Pend Oreille Veterinary Service team in 2005. An active member of the American Veterinary Dental Society, Mary Jane is committed to offering cutting-edge services in the dynamic field of veterinary dentistry. When she’s not in the clinic, she is most likely training or racing her team of Siberian Husky sled dogs.
Dr. Shelby Johnson received her DVM from Oregon State University in 2015 and quickly relocated to beautiful Sandpoint, as has been her dream for many years! Her interests in veterinary medicine are wide and include dentistry, pain management, medical acupuncture and nutrition. In her spare time she enjoys hiking with her husband, Bret and their three husky mixes(Gloria, Dallas and Gigi), nordic skiing, jigsaw puzzles, playing golf and sewing.
Dr. Deborah Ford graduated from Washington State University in 1979. She joined the veterinary team at Pend Oreille Veterinary Service in January of 2016 after 31 years in private companion animal practice and 4 years on faculty at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ford's passion to support healthy owner-pet relationships has resulted in her focus on behavioral medicine and counseling for dogs and cats. She looks forward to working with owners and pets to diminish unwanted behaviors and shape those that are desirable. At home, each day begins with coffee shared with her husband, and playtime shared with her 14-year old cat, Lucy. There is proof that neither are too old to learn new tricks! The family hopes to add two Golden Retriever puppies very soon. Dr. Ford has lived in lake country all her life, beginning as a youngster in Minnesota, and is truly back where she belongs, here in beautiful Sandpoint.
