National Veterinary Associates is a network of independently owned veterinary clinics across the United States
National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is not a single clinic or a chain you call from one central number. Instead, it is a group of separately owned veterinary practices that operate under the NVA banner. Each clinic is run by its own veterinarian or management team, but they share resources, training standards, and business systems through the NVA network. This matters because it means your local NVA clinic may have different hours, pricing, and service offerings than another NVA clinic across town or in another state.
The network includes general practice clinics, emergency hospitals, and specialty centers. Some locations offer routine care only — vaccinations, checkups, dental cleaning. Others have surgical suites, ultrasound, laboratory testing, or emergency services available 24 hours. You cannot assume what your nearest NVA clinic offers without checking directly.
NVA clinics are owned and operated by veterinarians, not by a corporate headquarters that makes day-to-day decisions about your pet's care. That structure means the veterinarian you see is the owner or an employee of the owner, not a salaried provider working under distant corporate protocols.
Key Takeaways
- National Veterinary Associates is a network of independently owned clinics, not a single chain, so services and pricing vary by location.
- You can search for NVA clinics by zip code on the NVA website to see which locations are near you and what services they offer.
- Each clinic sets its own hours and pricing, so calling ahead before your first visit tells you whether they fit your schedule and budget.
- Some NVA locations offer emergency or specialty services, while others provide routine care only — confirm what you need before scheduling.
How to find a National Veterinary Associates clinic in your area
The NVA website has a location finder tool where you enter your zip code and see all affiliated clinics within a set distance. The search results show the clinic name, address, phone number, and hours. Some listings also display which services that location offers — for example, whether they have an in-house laboratory, ultrasound, or emergency hours.
Calling the clinic directly is the fastest way to confirm what you need. Ask whether they are currently taking new patients, what their appointment wait time is, what payment methods they accept, and whether they offer the specific service your pet needs. If your pet requires surgery or specialty care, ask whether that clinic performs it or whether they refer to another location.
Many NVA clinics have websites with more detail about their team, facilities, and services. Some allow you to schedule appointments online; others require a phone call. If you have pet insurance, ask the clinic whether they are in-network with your plan before your first visit.
What to expect at your first visit to an NVA clinic
Your first appointment will include a health history form and a physical examination by a veterinarian. Bring your pet's vaccination records if you have them, or let the clinic know you do not have them so they can check with your previous veterinarian. If your pet is on medication, bring the bottles or a list of the names and doses.
The veterinarian will examine your pet, discuss any health concerns, and recommend preventive care or treatment based on what they find. If your pet needs bloodwork, imaging, or other diagnostics, the clinic will explain what is needed and what it costs before proceeding. Some clinics give you a written estimate; others quote a price range because the final cost depends on what the tests reveal.
Payment is typically due at the time of service. Ask about payment plans or financing options if cost is a concern — some NVA clinics offer payment plans through third-party lenders, though not all do.
Services that may be available at NVA locations
General practice clinics in the NVA network typically offer vaccinations, wellness exams, dental cleaning, ear and skin treatment, and basic laboratory testing. Many locations have in-house blood work and urinalysis capability, which means results come back the same day rather than being sent to an outside lab.
Surgical services vary by location. Some clinics perform spaying, neutering, and minor surgical procedures. Others have full surgical suites and can handle orthopedic surgery, mass removal, or abdominal surgery. Ask your clinic what surgical procedures they perform and whether they refer complex cases elsewhere.
Emergency and specialty services are available at some NVA locations but not all. If your clinic does not offer emergency care, ask them which emergency hospital they recommend and whether they have a relationship with that facility. Specialty services like cardiology, dermatology, or oncology are offered at select NVA locations, usually in larger cities.
Pricing and payment at National Veterinary Associates
Each NVA clinic sets its own prices, so the cost of a wellness exam, vaccination, or procedure varies between locations and between NVA and non-NVA clinics in your area. There is no single price list for the network. Call the clinic and ask for a quote on the specific service you need, or ask what a routine wellness exam costs as a baseline.
Most clinics require payment at the time of service. Some accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash; others may have restrictions. If you have pet insurance, ask whether the clinic is in-network and whether they will bill your insurance directly or whether you pay and submit the receipt yourself.
If a procedure is expensive and you cannot pay in full, ask whether the clinic offers a payment plan. Some NVA locations partner with CareCredit or similar financing companies that let you spread payments over time, though interest rates and terms vary.
Transferring your pet's records to an NVA clinic
If your pet has been seen at another veterinary clinic, you can request that your records be sent to your new NVA clinic. Call your previous clinic and ask them to transfer the records — they usually do this by mail, fax, or email. Some clinics charge a small fee for copying records; others do it at no cost.
Having your previous records on file helps your new veterinarian understand your pet's medical history, past treatments, and any chronic conditions. If you do not have records from a previous clinic, tell your new veterinarian so they know they are starting fresh. They may recommend baseline testing to establish your pet's current health status.
What to do if you have a problem with your NVA clinic
If you have a concern about the care your pet received, the cost of a procedure, or the behavior of the staff, start by speaking with the clinic manager or the veterinarian directly. Many issues can be resolved with a conversation. If the clinic is unwilling to address your concern, ask for contact information for the clinic owner or the NVA regional office.
If you believe your pet was harmed by negligent care, you may have grounds for a complaint with your state veterinary medical board. Each state has a board that investigates complaints against licensed veterinarians. You can find your state board's contact information online by searching "[your state] veterinary medical board."
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all National Veterinary Associates clinics offer emergency services?
No. Some NVA locations are open during business hours only and refer emergency cases to a separate emergency hospital. Check your local clinic's hours and ask whether they handle after-hours emergencies or whether you need to go elsewhere if your pet gets sick at night or on a weekend.
Can I schedule an appointment online at an NVA clinic?
Some NVA clinics have online scheduling on their website; others require you to call. Check the clinic's website or call their phone number to see which method they use. Even if online scheduling is available, calling ahead lets you ask questions about what to bring or what to expect.
What if my pet needs surgery and my local NVA clinic does not perform it?
Your clinic can refer you to another NVA location or to a specialty surgical center in your area. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation and whether they will coordinate with the surgical facility. Some clinics send your pet's records ahead of time to speed up the process.
Do National Veterinary Associates clinics accept pet insurance?
Most NVA clinics accept pet insurance, but coverage and in-network status vary by plan and location. Call your clinic and give them your insurance company and plan name so they can tell you whether they are in-network and how billing works.
How do I know if an NVA clinic is right for my pet?
Call the clinic, describe your pet's needs, and ask whether they can meet them. Ask about the veterinarian's experience with your pet's species or breed, what services they offer, and what their appointment availability looks like. A short phone call tells you whether the clinic is a good fit before you commit to a first visit.