Dr. Lauren Stayer, DVM
Dr. Lauren Stayer has dedicated her life to caring for animals, and that dedication started long before veterinary school. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, she was wrapping stuffed animals in makeshift bandages as a child, already dreaming of the work she does today. That lifelong passion, combined with a love of science, led her to Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2009. She then completed an internship at WestVet Specialty & Emergency Center in Boise, Idaho, an experience that gave her a strong foundation in complex, high-level patient care.
Dr. Stayer moved to Bend in 2010 and has been caring for the dogs and cats of Central Oregon ever since. As a co-founder of Pawtown Veterinary Care, she helped build a practice rooted in something she believes in deeply: that a veterinary clinic should feel calm, welcoming, and truly centered on the wellbeing of every patient and family who walks through the door.
A Passion for Geriatric Care
and Long-Term Relationships
One of the things Dr. Stayer finds most meaningful about her work is caring for aging pets. As dogs and cats get older, managing conditions like arthritis and chronic illness becomes a real partnership between the veterinarian and the family. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, regular veterinary care in a pet’s senior years can catch problems early and help pets live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Stayer approaches that care with both thoroughness and compassion, working to find treatment plans that are realistic for each family and genuinely improve their pet’s quality of life.
She also treasures the long view that comes with a locally owned, small practice. Watching a puppy or kitten grow up over the years, building a relationship with their family across a decade or more, and being trusted through every stage of a pet’s life is something she considers one of the greatest privileges of her work.
The following reflect the areas she finds most meaningful in her day-to-day care:
- Helping guide pet owners through stressful diagnoses and treatment decisions
- Managing the unique health needs of geriatric dogs and cats
- Building long-term relationships with patients and their families
- Creating a clinic environment that feels calm and positive for both pets and people
These values shape every appointment, and they are part of why Pawtown maintains the warm, unhurried atmosphere it is known for in the Bend community.
Caring for Every Patient,
One Appointment at a Time
Dr. Stayer believes trust is built slowly and deliberately. With animal patients, that means letting them set the pace, offering treats, and approaching each exam without rushing. With pet owners, it means truly listening, understanding what is going on at home, and tailoring recommendations to what will actually work for that family. Her goal is never to offer textbook answers but to give people knowledge they can use. Learn more about the comprehensive exams and urgent care services she provides at Pawtown, and explore the full range of our services available to your pet.
Life Outside the Clinic
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Stayer is a native Oregonian who fully embraces everything Central Oregon has to offer. She lives in Bend with her husband, two energetic kids, and a rescue dog. On her days off, she can usually be found running trails, hiking, reading historical fiction, or relaxing with her family near one of the many beautiful lakes in the area.
Meet Dr. Stayer at
Pawtown Veterinary Care
Dr. Lauren Stayer brings warmth, patience, and a strong clinical background to every appointment at Pawtown Veterinary Care. Her internship at a specialty and emergency center, combined with years of caring for the Bend community, gives her a broad range of skills that allow Pawtown to handle a wide variety of health needs right here in the clinic. Pawtown also offers flexible financing options through CareCredit and Scratch Pay to make care more accessible for every family.
If you are looking for a veterinarian who will take the time to listen, answer your questions, and treat your pet like family, Dr. Stayer and the Pawtown team are here for you. Request an appointment today and experience the difference a locally owned, relationship-centered practice makes.