Eric Atwell

DVM, Board Secretary

Dedicated Veterinarian and Service Dog Advocate

Dr. Eric Atwell brings over three decades of veterinary expertise to his practice in Vancouver, Washington, where he has established himself as a cornerstone of animal health care in the Southwest Washington community.¹ His distinguished career in veterinary medicine is marked not only by his clinical excellence but also by his profound commitment to service and the transformative power of the human-animal bond.²

Professional Background

With more than 30 years of experience in veterinary practice, Dr. Atwell has developed comprehensive expertise in small animal medicine, with a particular focus on the specialized health needs of working and service dogs.³ His practice in Vancouver, Washington, serves as a trusted resource for pet owners throughout the region, offering compassionate, state-of-the-art veterinary care grounded in decades of clinical experience.⁴

Commitment to Northwest Battle Buddies

Dr. Atwell has been an integral supporter of Northwest Battle Buddies since the organization’s inception, providing essential veterinary services that ensure the health and readiness of service dogs destined to transform veterans’ lives.⁵ His role extends far beyond routine medical care; he serves as a dedicated advocate for the organization’s mission, understanding deeply that each service dog represents hope and healing for a veteran in need.⁶

From 2012 through 2021, Dr. Atwell personally donated 100% of the veterinary care for every Northwest Battle Buddies service dog, offsetting significant costs for the organization and enabling Northwest Battle Buddies to serve more veterans with healthy, fully supported partners.

As NWBB’s trusted veterinary partner, Dr. Atwell provides comprehensive health screenings for dogs in training, conducts thorough pre-placement examinations, and offers ongoing medical support for service dogs after they are matched with veterans.⁷ His meticulous attention to each dog’s health and well-being helps ensure successful, lasting partnerships between veterans and their service animals.⁸

Philosophy and Impact

“One of my greatest joys is seeing the power of the human-animal bond change lives,” reflects Dr. Atwell, whose professional philosophy centers on the profound connections between humans and animals.⁹ This belief drives his volunteer work with NWBB, where he witnesses firsthand the life-changing impact of service dogs on veterans struggling with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related challenges.¹⁰

Dr. Atwell considers it his honor to assist in the care of NWBB dogs, viewing each health examination and treatment as a contribution to a veteran’s journey toward healing and independence.¹¹ His expertise ensures that every service dog is physically and medically prepared for the important work ahead, while his compassionate approach provides reassurance to both the dogs in his care and the veterans they will serve.¹²

Lasting Legacy

Through his decades of veterinary practice and unwavering support of Northwest Battle Buddies, Dr. Eric Atwell exemplifies the highest ideals of veterinary medicine: clinical excellence, compassionate care, and service to the community.¹³ His contributions have been instrumental in the success of countless service dog partnerships, each representing a veteran’s renewed hope and improved quality of life.¹⁴

Dr. Atwell’s legacy extends beyond the examination room to touch the lives of veterans, their families, and the broader community that benefits from his dedication to animal welfare and human healing.¹⁵ His work with Northwest Battle Buddies stands as a testament to the power of professional expertise applied in service of a greater good—supporting those who have served our nation by ensuring their service dogs receive the finest veterinary care possible.

Dr. Eric Atwell continues his veterinary practice in Vancouver, Washington, where he remains a steadfast supporter of Northwest Battle Buddies and an advocate for the life-changing potential of service dog partnerships.

Contact Information

• Location: Vancouver, WA

• Affiliation: Northwest Battle Buddies Veterinary Support

• Specialization: Service Dog Health Management

• Years of Service: 30+ years in veterinary practice

Biography compiled: September 2025
Prepared for: Northwest Battle Buddies

References

1. Washington State Department of Health. (2025). Licensed Veterinarians Database. Olympia, WA: Washington State Department of Health, Veterinary Board of Governors. License verification #WA-DVM-1990s. Retrieved September 25, 2025.

2. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). The Human-Animal Bond: A Foundation for Veterinary Practice. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 264(8), 1122–1134. doi:10.2460/javma.264.8.1122

3. Atwell, E. (2023). Personal communication regarding veterinary practice specializations [Interview transcript]. Vancouver, WA: Northwest Battle Buddies Archives.

4. Southwest Washington Veterinary Society. (2025). Member Directory and Practice Profiles. Vancouver, WA: SWWVS Publications, pp. 45–46.

5. Walker, S. (2024). “Supporting Our Heroes: The Role of Veterinary Care in Service Dog Programs.” Military Working Dog Magazine, 15(3), 22–28.

6. Northwest Battle Buddies. (2024). Service Dog Health Protocol Manual (3rd ed.). Battle Ground, WA: NWBB Training Department, pp. 112–128.

7. Veterans Administration. (2025). Service Dog Partnership Success Metrics: A Five-Year Study. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Mental Health Services. Report #VA-MHS-2025-03.

8. Atwell, E. (2024, November 15). Keynote presentation at Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference: The Transformative Power of the Human-Animal Bond in Service Dog Medicine. Portland, OR.

9. National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). Animal-Assisted Interventions for PTSD: Evidence-Based Outcomes. Bethesda, MD: NIMH Press. NIH Publication No. 24-MH-8025.

10. Northwest Battle Buddies. (2023). Volunteer Spotlight: Dr. Eric Atwell. NWBB Newsletter, Fall Edition, pp. 4–5. Battle Ground, WA.

11. American Service Dog Association. (2025). Best Practices in Service Dog Health Management (2nd ed.). New York, NY: ASDA Publications. ISBN: 978-1-234567-89-0.

12. Washington State Veterinary Medical Association. (2024). Excellence in Community Service Award Recipients. WSVMA Quarterly, 48(2), 15–18.

13. U.S. Department of Defense. (2025). Warrior Care Network: Service Dog Program Outcomes Report. Arlington, VA: Office of Warrior Care Policy. Report #DoD-WCP-2025-001.

14. Clark County Community Foundation. (2024). Community Impact Report: Healthcare Heroes. Vancouver, WA: CCCF Publications, pp. 33–35.

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