Stronger Together: NAS & MVP Saving Lives, One Paw at a Time

In early 2024, Mission Veterinary Partners (MVP) and Nevis Animal Speak (NAS) launched their first collaborative event, led by Christopher Anderson, DVM, Regional Medical Ambassador for MVP, and Heather Harken, Associate Director of University Engagement.

This initiative provided low- and no-cost spay/neuter services to the community, while also leveraging NAS’s proximity to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) to offer veterinary students a hands-on learning experience. Through this collaboration, students gained valuable surgical and clinical skills while actively supporting NAS’s mission:

“No dog or cat, homed or stray, will go without necessary medical care.”

We also recognize the merger of Southern Veterinary Partners (SVP) and MVP as a significant milestone in advancing our long-term mission, vision, and goals—ensuring greater impact for our patients, clients, students, and dedicated volunteer veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

Benefits to MVP Volunteer Vets and Vet Techs

1. Professional Growth & Skills Development

• Hands-on experience in an international veterinary setting

• Exposure to cases involving tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and emergency care

• Mentorship opportunities with vet students and externs from the U.S. and UK

2. Work-Life Balance & Well-Being

• A meaningful way to give back without burnout—short-term, high-impact volunteer work in a low-stress, tropical environment

• Opportunity to recharge mentally and physically by working in a setting that values both professional contributions and personal wellness

• Island lifestyle promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and a break from high-pressure clinical environments

3. Adventure & Cultural Exchange

• Unique travel experience—volunteers work in a new cultural and clinical setting

• Time off to enjoy beaches, outdoor activities, and island hospitality

• Fostering international veterinary connections and networking

4. Strengthening MVP’s Mission of Veterinary Volunteerism

• Showcasing MVP as a leader in global veterinary outreach

• Enabling SVP+MVP professionals to make a direct impact on underserved pet populations

• Providing a rewarding experience that enhances job satisfaction

For Nevis Animal Speak, this collaboration helps ensure continuity of care for its patients, mentorship for student veterinarians, and sustainable support for its nonprofit mission. For MVP vets and vet techs, the program provides a perfect blend of professional fulfillment, skill-building, and personal rejuvenation.

By offering this “Volunteer Holiday” program, MVP and NAS are redefining veterinary volunteerism—allowing dedicated professionals to give back, recharge, and return to their careers with renewed purpose.