Our Purpose
A Mission that Matters
At Native American Veterinary Services, we are dedicated to improving the health and well-being of animals on Native American reservations. Our journey began with a deep commitment to serve underserved communities, providing essential veterinary care to pets and livestock. We believe in the importance of cultural sensitivity and strive to strengthen the bond between animals and their owners. Our team of skilled volunteers travel to various reservations, offering spay and neuter services, vaccinations, and health education. Through our efforts, we aim to foster a healthier environment for both animals and communities, making a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
what we do
Without NAVS, many Native American communities living on these reservations would have limited to no access to veterinary care. Since the program’s inception, NAVS has helped improve the health and well-being of both domestic and farm animals, positively impacting the overall health of the communities they serve. Improved veterinary care for livestock has resulted in healthier, stronger animals, allowing owners to receive better prices at market and ultimately improving their standard of living.
Additionally, NAVS has helped reduce the feral dog population through spay and neuter clinics, significantly decreasing dog attacks on livestock and people. Beyond providing hands-on veterinary care, NAVS also visits schools on many reservations to educate students and inspire an interest in veterinary medicine, helping encourage the next generation to explore careers in the field.
how we do it
During each NAVS visit, temporary veterinary clinics are established to provide essential care for dogs and cats, including vaccinations, routine health examinations, and spay and neuter procedures. These services help prevent disease, improve the overall health of companion animals, and support efforts to manage animal populations within the communities served.
a.
In addition to caring for companion animals, NAVS operates mobile veterinary clinics that travel directly to farms and ranches, bringing vital veterinary services to livestock and other farm animals. Thousands of animals, including horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, receive comprehensive health and pregnancy examinations, vaccinations, and treatment for both internal and external parasites. Veterinary teams also perform castration procedures during farm visits to support responsible livestock management and promote the long-term health and well-being of the animals.
b.
our goals
While providing immediate veterinary care is central to its work, NAVS is committed to a broader, long-term mission: helping each reservation it serves become increasingly self-sufficient in meeting its veterinary needs. Through continued outreach, education, and hands-on veterinary services, NAVS strives to build local knowledge and resources that will support healthier animals and stronger communities for years to come.
c.
The ultimate goal of NAVS is to establish permanent veterinary facilities on the reservations it serves, staffed by Native American veterinary professionals. By fostering opportunities for education, training, and professional development, NAVS hopes to empower Native American communities to take an active role in providing ongoing veterinary care for their animals. This vision extends beyond treating animals today; it is about creating sustainable, community-driven veterinary resources that will make a lasting difference for future generations.
d.
who we are
Dr. Ted Robinson is the founder of NAVS and a veterinarian whose commitment to service helped turn a small volunteer effort into a lasting veterinary outreach program. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1974, he helped organize early trips to the Navajo Reservation to provide veterinary treatment and education.
Dr. Ted Robinson, Founder of NAVS
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Elected in 20XX
Kathy Nehoda, CVT
Easton, Pennsylvania
Volunteering Since 2XXX
VICE PRESIDENT
Elected in 20XX
Dr. Jeffery Barnet, VMD
Portland, Oregon
Volunteering Since 20XX
TREASURER
Elected in 20XX
Betsy Summers
Wikes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Volunteering Since 20XX
SECRETARY
Elected in 2024
Rebecca Blevins, CVT
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Volunteering Since 2017