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Who We Are
NAVS is a group of volunteers joined together for the
interest and purpose of bringing free veterinary services to
the Indian reservations of the Southwest. The group was born
from a simple question presented in 2001 by our founder Dr.
Ted Robinson - “What type of veterinary care exists on the
reservations of the Southwest?” The answer given by a Native
American was “Little, if any.” Since that time, in
association with the Pennsylvania Veterinary Foundation,
volunteers have serviced the Hopi, Zuni and Santo Domingo
reservations.
What We Do
Since 2001 NAVS makes twice yearly trips in the spring and
fall to Arizona and New Mexico to service the needs of
animals on various reservations. A complete volunteer and
donation based program, NAVS includes veterinarians,
technicians, veterinary students from the University of
Pennsylvania and veterinary technician students from Manor
College. Medical and surgical supplies are donated from
veterinary pharmaceutical and supply companies and through
the generous donations of supporters of the project.
Temporary clinics are established to vaccinate and neuter
cats and dogs which greatly help to control the feral
population. During each trip, numerous procedures and
treatments are performed on small animals. Mobile clinics
visit farms and ranches where thousands of farm animals are
vaccinated, treated for parasites and given vitamin
injections. The increased heath of the animals greatly
improves the lives of residents when their animals and
products go to the market.
A main focus of NAVS is to educate the Native Americans
about proper animal care and to foster interest for further
education. Additionally, the wonderful cultural exchange
amongst NAVS participants and the Native Americans is an
added bonus.
How You Can Help
NAVS currently operates in association with the Pennsylvania
Veterinary Foundation, a 501-C-3 organization. All donations
made to NAVS are tax deductible and 100% of donations go
directly to purchasing supplies. NAVS has no operational
cost outside of drugs and supplies for which these funds are
being used. The organization is always looking for new
people to experience NAVS. If you are interested in
volunteering, please contact Dr. Ted Robinson at
fandr@voicenet.com
or Dr. John Moffa at
jvmdvm@comcast.net. |
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