An active member of the United States Army Veterinary Corps, Dr Sara Almcrantz began her journey from Portland, but has since traveled and lived all around the world—currently she resides in Germany. As her career in the Army comes to a close, Dr. Almcrantz has found herself considering the next step in her veterinary medicine career. Her fond memories of Oregon Humane Society from her youth drew her back to Oregon.
Since April 2024, Dr. Almcrantz has been working alongside the talented OHS medical teams in both the Animal Medical Learning Center and the Community Veterinary Hospital, getting hands on experience in a clinical setting. Dr. Almcrantz is doing her clinical rotation at OHS thanks to the Army Career Skills Program, which helps those transitioning out of the Army. Dr. Almcrantz had her choice of location, and we’re delighted she chose to return to her home state. “OHS seemed like a natural fit,” Dr. Almcrantz shared. “You already have a robust internship and residency program, as well as connections with Oregon State University which supports veterinary student clinical rotations on a regular basis.”
As a veterinarian for the army, the day-to-day tasks varied significantly. Much of it depended on the needs of where she was stationed. Tasks ranged from providing clinical medicine to military working dogs, preventative care and health certificates for service member pets. Some tasks even included pet food inspection and inventory management. While most of her time has been spent working with cats and dogs, she also gained experience providing care to non-household pets including horses and even falcons—both of whom are service animals in different branches of the military. While at OHS, Dr. Almcrantz aims to expand her knowledge in urgent care and specialized surgical procedures—experience that was uncommon during her service.
“I very much enjoy working with different veterinarians and staff each day,” Dr. Almcrantz shared. ”Each OHS vet has their own approach and special areas of expertise that I can learn from. I feel like it makes for a more well-rounded learning experience, whether that be surgery or medicine.”
”Each OHS vet has their own approach and special areas of expertise that I can learn from. I feel like it makes for a more well-rounded learning experience, whether that be surgery or medicine.”
Dr. Almcrantz has always had a passion for shelter medicine and hopes to put her experience to good use by providing clinical care to rural and remote communities, including smaller shelters who may not have regular, robust access to care.
For now, Dr. Almcrantz is busy rediscovering Oregon, with trips to Bend and other memorable spots with her two dogs, Bella and Todd. Her work at Oregon Humane Society will continue until July of this year.
