At NVA, we support creating a community where everyone feels welcome and valued. In June, we celebrated Pride Month and the diverse contributions of the LGBTQ+ community within our hospitals, pet resorts, and Support Center. Here are some of the highlights:
NVA GP Hospitals March in Buffalo Pride Parade
More than 30 NVA teammates from three NVA General Practice (NVA GP) hospitals in New York - City Creatures Animal Hospital, Summer Street Cat Clinic, and All Creatures Animal Hospital - took part in the Buffalo Pride parade this month. They celebrated LGBTQ+ culture while advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Veterinary Technician Casey McCrossan with City Creatures Animal Hospital in Buffalo, New York, said the Pride parade and the month of June remind her of the importance of showing love and support. “Hate and discrimination have no home at City Creatures,” said Casey. “Over the years, we have built a hospital that thrives on compassion, love, and acceptance.”
Bowhaus Erie Celebrates Love, Equality, and Inclusion
Bowhaus Dog Daycare & Boarding in Erie, Colorado, a member of NVA’s Pet Resort community, celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride with a special event dedicated to their clients and community. Guests posed with Pride flags, wore custom-made Pride bandanas, and enjoyed refreshing "pup cup" treats.
General Manager Tara Green, an integral part of Bowhaus Eerie for 18 years and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, understands the significance of creating a space where people – and pets – feel welcome and safe. “At Bowhaus, our motto is ‘Where people and pets are family,’” said Tara. “This means that everyone is accepted for who they are. We don’t discriminate against any breed and treat each dog as an individual.”
NVA Support Center Advocates for LGBTQ+ Inclusion
NVA’s Support Center houses eight NVAllies inclusion groups, including the "Pride of NVA." This dedicated group serves as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies, ensuring a welcoming environment within the organization.
One of the “Pride of NVA” leaders, PetSuites Regional Leader Brandon Boehle, said he’s been a member of the group since its start in 2020, and they continue to fight for equal rights and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. “Championed by the ‘Pride of NVA’ was NVA signing PrideVMC’s Gender Identity Bill of Rights in 2022, which established core rights for veterinary professionals who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming,” said Brandon.
Looking Ahead with Pride
As NVA continues to grow and evolve, we remain committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for people of all genders and identities. With team members like Casey McCrossan, Tara Green, and Brandon Boehle, we will continue to do our part to improve representation in the pet care industry.
