Short-Term Volunteers | Veterinarians Without Borders
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YVP participants in Kenya

Join a Short-Term Volunteer Team

Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VWB/VSF) was founded in 2005 to facilitate volunteer work by Canadian veterinarians in developing countries around the world. Since that time, volunteers have played a very important role in our work!

Application is now closed 

About Short-Term Volunteers

As part of the VETS (Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions) program, short-term volunteers support the objectives of the VETS Program through mobilizing Canadian volunteers to strengthen capacity of local partners. Through targeted program activities and relevant workshops and training sessions, short-term volunteers aim to increase potential for local partner organizations to create sustainable and healthier communities. Upon completion of their assignments, short-term volunteers share about their volunteer experience with the Canadian public to improve awareness and understand of VWB/VSF’s international cooperation efforts. 

Applications are now closed.

See Positions 

Short-Term Volunteer Details

  • Fully-funded, 3-week volunteer placements in January/February 2024
  • Volunteer together with other professionals in Kenya or Ghana 
  • Build connections and cross-cultural relationships
  • Participate in pre-departure orientation 
  • Engage the Canadian public after your placement to raise awareness about Canada's involvement in international development
  • Volunteer eligibility:
    • Able to commit to the duration of the placement
    • Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
    • Relevant background and experience to carry out volunteer assignment objectives (see below)
    • Vaccination against COVID is recommended by WUSC. International volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as per airline or assignment country requirements and must be able to provide proof should the airline or assignment country immigration authority require proof of vaccination.

Young boy holds a goat while a volunteer administers a vaccination.

Volunteer placements are fully-funded — thanks to Global Affairs Canada

VWB/VSF will cover the cost of predeparture training, round-trip airfare to placement country, visa/permit costs, required vaccinations, and emergency travel health insurance. Further, participants receive a modest living allowance designed to cover basic housing, food, and typical living expenses.

GAC and VWB logo

YVP Group Shot 2022

In the past, short-term volunteers have provided additional support for remote veterinary clinics, vaccination campaigns, research and data collection, and more. VWB/VSF Volunteers contribute to healthier communities around the globe!

Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in joining a Short-Term Volunteer Team? We'd love to hear from you! Indicate which location / position you are interested in on your application form. VWB/VSF will determine placements based on the applicant's background and experience, together with the needs of our local partners. Take a look below.


KENYA - Wakulima Dairy

KENYA - Meru Dairy

GHANA - Ghana Poultry Network 

GHANA - APEX Women in Poultry 


Application deadline: October 22, 2023

What makes an effective volunteer?

International volunteers often experience new and challenging circumstances. It's hard to know how we will react until we face those challenges. However, there are personal and professional qualities that help to identify people who will be effective working and living in another country.

It is important to be flexible. International volunteers often need to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances. At times you could experience inconvenience or discomfort. Volunteers need the self-confidence to take action on their own. The most effective volunteers also thrive as collaborative team members, overcoming cultural and language barriers to share accomplishments as part of a team.

International volunteer work is an opportunity to develop and strengthen skills and abilities that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to contribute to the health of animals, people, and the planet, then a volunteer assignment may be right for you.


Questions? Email volunteer@vetswithoutborders.ca and we'll be happy to help!

Cows in Kenya

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

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.

Dec 24th, 2024

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

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.

Dec 18th, 2024

Empowering Women in Ghana's Volta Region: A Celebration of Health, Sustainability, and Community

Empowering Women in Ghana's Volta Region: A Celebration of Health, Sustainability, and Community

Megan Sylka, Senior Program Officer at VWB/VSF, shares how her recent visit to Ghana highlighted the ways in which VETS partner WIPVaC-Apex are empowering women poultry farmers with the tools, knowledge, and solidarity they need to flourish.

Dec 10th, 2024

  • The most rewarding part of my placements was helping others and seeing the many lives that are impacted along the way.
    - Nikki Sheedy

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