About Us | Veterinarians Without Borders
Skip to Main Content

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

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness: Tackling PPR in Ghana to Safeguard Livelihoods and Prevent Future Crises

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness: Tackling PPR in Ghana to Safeguard Livelihoods and Prevent Future Crises

Posted Dec 24th, 2024

This article highlights the fight against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in Ghana, showcasing how VWB’s partnership with GAPNET strengthens community-based vaccination, surveillance, and education to help prevent future epidemics.

Read more

Protecting Livelihoods in South Sudan: VWB Vaccinates Over 59,000 Livestock in a Life-Saving Campaign

Protecting Livelihoods in South Sudan: VWB Vaccinates Over 59,000 Livestock in a Life-Saving Campaign

Posted Dec 18th, 2024

In collaboration with Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), VWB recently completed a 16-day mass vaccination campaign in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan, vaccinating over 59,000 livestock and strengthening community resilience.

Read more

7 ways you can help dogs, cats, and more in Ukraine this holiday

7 ways you can help dogs, cats, and more in Ukraine this holiday

Posted Dec 17th, 2024

This holiday season, your donation can make a life-changing difference for animals in Ukraine who are facing unimaginable hardships

Read more

  • 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. 

Volunteer  Donate  

+1(343) 633-0272 Contact