Our History

Pend Oreille Veterinary Service has been a part of the Sandpoint and North Idaho community since 1964. Jerry Lewis arrived in Sandpoint that year as a new graduate from Colorado State University School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Lewis joined in a partnership with Dr. Bill Morton to found what is now Pend Oreille Veterinary Service.

The original hospital site still exists at our campus on Kootenai Cut-Off Road in Ponderay. POVS originally treated both large and small animals. There was a haul in area for the large animals on site and an ambulatory practice that visited rural properties and communities over the years.

Pend Oreille Veterinary Service has remained a privately owned practice, where retiring owners have welcomed new partners to pass on their legacy and maintain the tradition of private practice with legendary service.

Dr. Chrissy Ponsness & Dr. Christine Smart

current practicing owner veterinarians

Continuing the tradition of quality medicine and service set forth by the previous owners.

Previous Practicing Owner Veterinarians

Dr. Bill Morton (right)

Dr. Jerry Lewis

Dr. Don McCormick

Dr. Bruce Vogel

Dr. Chuck Ashton

Pend Oreille Veterinary Service has a commitment to the pets in our community that has persisted since 1964. The scope of our practice has changed, but our legacy endures.

We are locally owned and employ over 40 staff members. We plan to continue nurturing and growing our community connections in the years to come.