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Founders Story

A woman in a red dress looking out into a wheat field at sunset.

How does a cup of coffee with friends turn into a worldwide organization?
When it comes to the passion of our founding members, big dreams were just part of the territory. 

A group of people at a coffee table with cups of coffee and notepads.

From Small Beginnings

Starting with our five founders meeting in a Guelph, Ontario café in 2005, Veterinarians Without Borders has become a full-fledged veterinary organization in Canada that is working to better the health of animals, people, and the environment in Canada and around the world.

From day one, the passion, dedication, and commitment of our organization has ranked off the scale. and within the first few months, Aeroplan committed to providing Aeroplan Miles for much-needed travel support for our projects, allowing us to work with communities in person, with on the ground, grassroots initiatives.

Meet Our Founders

With Big Dreams

Within the first year, Veterinarians Without Borders received significant government funding in recognition of our ecohealth approach, and validation that it is a good strategy for communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America and for people back home.

By working to decrease disease prevalence in developing nations, we can thereby lower the incidences of zoonoses—diseases that are passed from animals to humans, like Avian Bird Influenza and SARS—around the world. The net result is a healthier planet for everyone, including Canadians.

Our Mission

A group of Kenyan farmers with volunteers raising their hands with joy shot from above.

A group of volunteers carrying buckets with supplies walk on a thin dirt path through hilly Kenyan countryside.

To Making An Impact

Thanks to the dedication, commitment and generosity of our volunteers, our donors and our sponsors, and our Board and staff, we’ve come a long way toward big picture solutions.

Today, we work in over a dozen countries around the world. Our projects are supported by individual donors, foundations, government, and corporations. You can be a part of our successes; join the big picture and help us create: healthy animals, healthy people, and a healthy planet.

Our Projects

Stories From Around The World

Renewed Global Commitment to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance: A Complex Challenge Requiring a One Health Approach

Renewed Global Commitment to Reduce Antimicrobial Resistance: A Complex Challenge Requiring a One Health Approach

Posted Nov 18th, 2024

Written by Dr. Andrea Ellis (DVM), a member of the VWB Board of Directors, this article explores the evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) thinking, highlighting the critical role of environmental inclusion and a One Health approach, and showcasing how VWB’s focus on animal husbandry, disease prevention, and antimicrobial stewardship aligns with the Quadripartite partnership’s vision for a coordinated global response.

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Poultry and Possibility in Ukraine: Rethinking Aid in Protracted Crises

Poultry and Possibility in Ukraine: Rethinking Aid in Protracted Crises

Posted Nov 14th, 2024

In this op-ed, VWB's Executive Director, Charmaine Brett, discusses how poultry farming is helping to build sustainable recovery for families in Ukraine.

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Webinar Replay: How do community-led One Health Teams help to bridge health gaps and build resilience?

Webinar Replay: How do community-led One Health Teams help to bridge health gaps and build resilience?

Posted Nov 1st, 2024

Watch a replay of our One Health Day 2024 webinar, held on Friday, November 1st, which explored how community-led One Health Teams (OHTs) help to bridge health gaps and build resilience. Panelists are partners in our COHERS program in Rwanda and Senegal.

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  • I loved being placed in Ghana and believe I made a significant impact to the communities.
    - Madison Russel

Become A Part Of The Big Picture

By supporting Veterinarians Without Borders through donations or volunteering, you become part of the Big Picture solution. 

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