NVA General Practice

Dr. Blake Crawford didn't just stumble into veterinary medicine—he lived it from every possible angle before applying for vet school.

As someone in veterinary medicine, you know that emergencies don't follow a schedule. That puppy with leptospirosis comes in on a Friday at 4:55 pm.

From studying human medicine in Mexico City to becoming one of the few Board-Certified Specialists in Virginia, Dr. Ernesto Dominguez has built a career that spans continents, species, and specialties.

The partnership between Metairie Small Animal Hospital and Zeus' Rescues proves that collaboration can transform—and save—countless lives.

Continuous learning isn't just beneficial—it's essential for delivering exceptional veterinary care. We asked hospital leaders in Michigan to share how they foster a culture of growth and education within their teams.

In six days, the team treated 3,000+ animals across 24 Honduran villages— bringing vital services where none exist.

NVA General Practice partnered with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and National Geographic's "Critter Fixers" stars to sponsor a day of learning for 50 aspiring veterinarians.

At NVA General Practice, we believe pets are family members who make our lives better. We’ve captured this belief in our logo by featuring two beloved pets from our team: Moose the German Shepherd and Beanie the cat.

Two local veterinarians joined forces with the Tulsa County District Attorney’s office to help them build stronger cases against animal abusers.

Starting your veterinary career can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in this journey. Every new graduate faces the challenge of translating years of education into real-world practice while building confidence and finding their place in the profession.

A stray cat showed up to my house in Tennessee like so many strays do–looking for food, shelter, and a little love.

This June, hospitals across our community are celebrating Pride Month and the diverse contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. From parade floats to team celebrations to industry panels and networking, we’re championing belonging and inclusion at every level.

Working in veterinary medicine can be as emotionally draining as it is rewarding. The constant juggling of patient care, client expectations, and team dynamics can easily lead to burnout if not managed properly.

In early February, Annabelle, a sweet and courageous dog, was found abandoned in a Texas field with a gunshot wound in her leg. Beside her were seven puppies, nestled closely for warmth.

From the start of my veterinary career, I knew that dentistry was my true passion. I genuinely love it and believe it plays a massive role in a pet's health.

We all come across bits of wisdom that really stick with us—words of advice that help us grow both personally and professionally.

At NVA, we’re proud to create a space where women can thrive, both professionally and personally. Our NVA Women’s Network is committed to uniting women across the organization, enabling them to support one another, forge meaningful connections, and collaborate to shape the future of veterinary care.

When Ellie, a 6-year-old circus elephant, arrived outside our clinic in Missouri, we knew we were in for a unique challenge. We frequently provided veterinary care to circus animals when they were in town for performances, but none like Ellie. She was experiencing lameness in her foot, but her caretakers were also concerned about swelling in her carpus.

I had the privilege of being Ben's primary care provider starting when he was just 3 months old. Ben was part of a private collection, and I got to see him grow and flourish over the years. But when he was 9 and a half, his journey took an unexpected turn. Faced with personal challenges, his owner made the difficult decision to donate Ben to the Indianapolis Zoo. Here he would receive the specialized care he needed and have a new home with other animals of his kind.

At NVA, we strive to build a workplace that reflects the clients and communities we serve. To support that goal, we’re focused on empowering animal care professionals from all backgrounds and life-experiences through educational programs, partnerships, and employee resource groups like NVA Black Allies.

From the start of my veterinary career, I knew that dentistry was my true passion. I genuinely love it and believe it plays a massive role in a pet's health. It was also my dream to earn my Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in dentistry.

A good Samaritan found an abandoned family of dogs, with one of the puppies in need of medical care.

For years a Pit Bull named Miracle lived outside alone in a crate under a tree. Neglected and used for breeding, Miracle knew little kindness. Her situation grew worse when Hurricane Milton struck St. Petersburg, Florida.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Dr. Marisa Gennace has closely followed the war’s impact on animals. With so many abandoned and wounded patients, Ukrainian veterinarians face immense obstacles with scarce resources. Still, they remain determined to deliver the best possible care with what little they have. This resilient spirit inspired Dr. Gennace to join them on the front lines.

On a scorching day in Phoenix, Arizona, with temperatures soaring above 110 degrees, good Samaritans spotted a dog crate on the side of the highway. When they stopped to make sure it was empty, they were shocked to find a dehydrated and disoriented young tiger inside.

After severe tornados struck Oklahoma this year, our team at  Woodlake Animal Hospital stepped in to help our local community. We provided medical aid, gathered food and supplies, and housed several animals displaced during the storms.

In honor of World Pet Memorial Day, we asked NVA GP Mentors to share advice on how they help pet parents grieve the loss of a pet, by reflecting on their own personal experience.

Firefighters and animal control officers in Fresno, California, responded to a call about a puppy that had fallen 70 feet into a well. Her owners didn’t think the 6-week-old Shepherd mix had survived until they heard her cries.

This spring, I’ll earn my DVM from the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine. As graduation approaches, I find myself reflecting on the individuals and experiences that prepared me to succeed as a practicing veterinarian. The doctors and teams I encountered through NVA’s General Practice Externship Program played a significant role in that.

Success in dentistry leads to loving it. I help new DVMs build their confidence by teching good techniques, emphasizing the correct tools, and encouraging strong relationships with support staff. These opportunitites reveal the positive impacts and motivate DVMs to expand their skills.

At NVA, supporting the success of new veterinarians is mission-critical. As the future of vet med, our priority is to nurture their growth and empower them with resources to practice their best medicine.