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!
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.
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.
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!
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
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!
Register now for our upcoming, live webinar to be held on Friday, November 1st, in recognition of One Health Day 2024, to explore how community-led One Health Teams (OHTs) help to bridge health gaps and build resilience. Panelists are all partners in our COHERS program in Rwanda and Senegal.
Empowered through AGROW’s training and resources, women like Thary Mork, Ton Sothy, and Ho Penh are transforming Cambodia’s rural communities by embracing sustainable farming, building resilient livelihoods, and improving food security.
In this edition of 'Ask an Expert', we chatted with Dr. Doug Doyle-Baker (DVM), a practicing veterinarian in Toronto, Ontario, who this past spring spent time volunteering with VWB's Northern Animal Health Initiative (NAHI) in the Northwest Territories.
