Donor gifts $1M to Oregon Humane in support of veterinary training

Oregon Humane has received a $1 million gift to support the veterinary training partnership with Oregon State University’s Gary R. Carlson, MD, College of Veterinary Medicine (CCVM) in Corvallis. The donor, Audrey Albaugh of Coos Bay and Portland, is an Oregon State alumna and supporter of Oregon Humane.¹

“My lifelong love of animals, and the special connection I share with my own pets inspired me to get involved with Oregon Humane,” Albaugh said in a news release. “As a graduate of Oregon State University, it was particularly meaningful how the two organizations work together to provide critical training for future veterinarians while caring for the most vulnerable pets in our community.

Established in 2007, Oregon Humane’s innovative partnership with Oregon State’s CCVM was the first in the country to give fourth-year veterinary students the opportunity to work in a shelter hospital, according to the organization, The program offers real-world clinic experience including high-volume spay/neuter surgery. Each year, more than 100 students complete a 2-week rotation in Oregon Humane’s shelter hospital with an option for an additional week at the Community Veterinary Hospital.

It has been widely reported that the US is facing a critical veterinary professional shortage, Oregon Humane’s Veterinary Training partnership with Oregon State’s CCVM plays a key role in filling this gap by ensuring well-trained, highly skilled veterinarians are entering the workforce.

Franci Forman, DVM, medical director for Oregon Humane’s Community Veterinary Hospital, is an Oregon State CCVM graduate and experienced the benefits of this unique training program. “As a student, the hands-on training I received during my rotation at Oregon Humane was invaluable,” Forman said in a news release. “Today, in my role as medical director, I see how highly skilled graduates entering the veterinary field have a huge impact in our community.

Albaugh’s support of the veterinary training program follows significant gifts to support the New Road Ahead expansion project in 2022, Behavior Modification Program in 2024, and Humane Law Enforcement in 2025.

“We are profoundly grateful to Audrey Albaugh for this generous gift and her continued support of Oregon Humane,” Tiffini Mueller, chief advancement officer, said in a news release. “By investing in veterinary education, Audrey is helping build the future of animal care in Oregon. Her generosity will strengthen a one-of-a-kind training program that prepares the next generation of veterinarians to serve animals and the people who love them for years to come.”

Reference

Oregon Humane Society receives $1 million gift for veterinary training program. News release. Oregon Humane. June 16, 2026.