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

VETS Volunteer Voices: Biosecurity training hatches success for Esther Nyarko's poultry farm in rural Ghana

VETS Volunteer Voices: Biosecurity training hatches success for Esther Nyarko's poultry farm in rural Ghana

Posted Mar 24th, 2025

#VETSVolunteerVoices #aims to brings you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. This blog was written by Karissa Gall, a Communications and Gender Advisor who supported our VETS program partner, WIPVaC-Apex, in Ghana earlier this year (January-February 2025).

Read more

The Results Are In: Meet the Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest Winners

The Results Are In: Meet the Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest Winners

Posted Mar 19th, 2025

The Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest has officially come to a close! Over $170,000 raised for animals in need.

Read more

The High Price of Parasites: What’s at Stake for Farmers and Food Security

The High Price of Parasites: What’s at Stake for Farmers and Food Security

Posted Mar 19th, 2025

This article highlights the hidden impact of parasites in livestock, showcasing how VWB’s One Health initiatives in parasite prevention, veterinary training, and community education help protect farmers’ livelihoods, strengthen food security, and reduce zoonotic disease risks.

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