Welcome to Blue Door Veterinary Services! Our dedicated team is committed to providing the very best care to our patients.
Dr. Meridith Dawson
Veterinarian and Owner
Founded Blue Door Veterinary Services in 2015
I started dreaming of being a veterinarian at the age of 7. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida among the beaches and the seagulls, but one horseback riding lesson later, I was hooked. Horses were my passion growing up, but I loved all animals. I am guilty of bringing home the stray cat now and then and promising my parents “it followed me home.” When my family moved to central Ohio, I was able to realize my dream of having a horse (two in fact!), and I competed in 4-H all through high school and in IHSA in college. I even focused my Girl Scout Gold Award project on helmet safety. I have always had animals around the house—dogs, cats, chickens, horses, a goat named Edger – and I have loved every minute of it.
I went to a small college in northwest Georgia named Berry College for undergraduate and earned my BS in Animal Science. I returned to Ohio for veterinary school, earning my veterinary degree at The Ohio State University. Wanting to get away from the cold winters, I returned to Florida and began my career as a mixed animal practitioner, working with many different species. I even had the opportunity to work with elephants, camels, and alpacas that were part of a traveling circus! I found that my favorite aspects of veterinary medicine though are being witness to the strong human-animal bond and helping to keep people and their animals together.
After meeting my husband, George, and living in Florida for a couple years, we knew we wanted more from our environment. We decided on Portland because I have some family here, and we love that we can get to all of our favorite outdoor places for day trips. George and I have 4 dogs, 3 cats, 2 horses, and a fish! They keep us busy—hiking, riding, and playing at the coast. I do like to dabble in tennis and when it’s rainy, we love to visit the wineries and breweries and taste what Oregon has to offer!
I cannot wait to meet all of you and your wonderful pets and share my love of animals with all of you!
Dr Lauren Larson
Associate Veterinarian
Dr Larson started with Blue Door in June 2021.
Similar to many veterinarians, I knew from an early age that I wanted to spend my life helping animals. I
grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico next to a farm with camels, llamas, ostriches, long-horned cattle
and horses. I quickly developed a passion for horses and began taking lessons. I joined Pony Club
(similar to 4-H) and worked my way through the ranks to obtain my H-A rating. I competed in the
equestrian sport of eventing for many years, but also dabbled in dressage, hunter-jumpers, vaulting, fox
hunting and drill. I attended college at the University of California in Santa Barbara and then, for vet
school, the University of California at Davis. I then spent a year in Kentucky doing an internship at Rood
and Riddle Equine Hospital. In 2013 I moved to Oregon with my husband and our cat Lexi. Lexi
convinced me that small animal medicine is a very worthy career choice, so I soon began working
exclusively with dogs and cats. I love surgery, anesthesia, dentistry and preventive medicine. I also have
a soft spot for aging pets, and I aim to provide them with the best care possible and an improved quality
of life.
In my spare time I enjoy horseback riding, swimming, cycling and skiing. Lately, my husband and I spend
most of our time chasing around our toddler. We enjoy visiting local parks, of which Portland has so
many!
I am so excited to be a part of the team at Blue Door! Mobile practice provides such a unique
experience for the animals and us! It allows me to spend more one-on-one time with you and your
beloved pets. I enjoy building long lasting relationships with clients, and I can’t wait to meet you!
Wendi Tabor
Client Coordinator
Wendi joined Blue Door in January 2018
I love animals and I love people. While in college, I took a position with a local veterinary hospital and that is where my passion took off. I started entry level, and after my college graduation I stayed on board with the same veterinary practice and worked my way through the ranks and spent ten years as their hospital coordinator. The job title was very much like a practice manager, but so much more. I organized communication and hospital flow, and was the main go between between doctors, clients, fellow staff, outside vendors, reps, and local rescues and other community outreach programs. It was a wonderful career, so professionally and personally rewarding; I loved it so!
Over the next few years I also became a positive reinforcement dog trainer, and eventually a dog training mentor for new dog training students.
Most recently my husband and I also started taking in unwanted reptiles/alternative pets as it is easy to find a rescue for dogs and cats, but the alternative pets are often overlooked in the rescue world. We are now a safe haven and forever home for three bearded dragons, a leopard gecko, and a previously seven legged tarantula. We also have four dogs, so our home is very lively with animals.
I was so happy When Dr. Dawson asked me to join her team. Blue Door Veterinary shares the same love for animals and their people as I do. I look forward to speaking and/or emailing with you soon!
Ashley Hawes
Client Coordinator
Ashley joined Blue Door in January 2022
Ashley joined our Client Coordinator team at Blue Door in January 2022. Stay tuned for her biography!
Jamie Kimsey
Vet Assistant
Jamie joined Blue Door in December 2019
From a very early age I have had an immeasurable passion towards caring for, rehabilitating and fostering animals. I enjoy advocating for their wellness and educating others in regards to best practices when caring for their pets. My first experience working with animals began during my senior year of high school where I attended an internship at Lake Grove Vet. I have since pursued a career in veterinary medicine as a vet assistant by working at Banfield Pet Hospitals starting in 2018 and by joining Blue Door in January 2020, where I now also have the privilege of caring for animals on-the-go! I have aspirations to continue my education in the field by obtaining my Certification as a Veterinary Technician. My proudest moment in animal healthcare is the rehabilitation of my own bearded dragon, Skeeter Peeter, who has now thrived for an additional four years after being found in critical condition. I also have four fur babies of my own: Cleo, my cat (she more so rescued me) and my three spunky guinea pigs – Muse, Quinn and Luna. I look forward to caring for your pets as though they are my own while ensuring you feel safe and secure while they are in my care.