OTTAWA, ON / NEW YORK, NY – February 20, 2026 – Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is excited to launch Animals & Ales, a fun, community-driven pet photo fundraiser bringing together local breweries, pet lovers, and animal advocates across Canada and the United States.
Running from February 23 to March 16, 2026, Animals & Ales invites pet guardians to submit photos of their beloved animals, rally votes from friends and family, and raise funds in support of veterinary care for animals in underserved communities and emergency situations. Each vote helps fuel VWB/VSF’s work to strengthen animal health and the communities that depend on them.
This year’s campaign features 24 participating craft breweries — 15 in Canada and 9 in the U.S. — each hosting their own contest page and celebrating the animals that make our lives better. Winning pets will be featured on limited-edition beer labels, turning friendly competition into meaningful impact.
“Animals & Ales is about community in every sense of the word,” said Janine Mitchell, VWB/VSF's Executive Director. “It brings people together around their love for animals, supports local breweries, and helps ensure animals and the people who rely on them can access vital veterinary care — especially in times of crisis.”
Funds raised through Animals & Ales help support VWB/VSF’s animal health programs in Canada, the United States, and globally, including emergency response, disease prevention, and long-term, community-led veterinary services.
Pet lovers can participate by choosing a participating brewery, submitting a pet photo, and sharing their entry to gather votes. Along the way, participants can unlock fun incentives and prizes while helping animals in need.
LEARN MORE & ENTER THE CONTEST:
🚨 Animals & Ales Canada: https://www.vwb.org/site/animals-and-ales-canada
🚨 Animals & Ales U.S.: https://www.vwb.org/site/animals-and-ales-us
------------------------------------------------
MEDIA RESOURCES:
ℹ️ Media brief — Canada (PDF)
ℹ️ Media brief — United States (PDF)
For interview requests or additional information, please contact the media representative listed below.
------------------------------------------------
About VWB/VSF: Founded in 2005, Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving community health through enhanced animal health. Using a “One Health” approach, we work with diverse partners to strengthen community-centered animal health systems, directly benefiting the people and environments that rely on them. As the North American affiliate of VSF International, VWB/VSF operates independently, with ongoing programs in Africa, Asia, Northern Canada, and Europe. Our efforts focus on disease prevention, sustainable livelihoods, equitable access to resources, capacity building, and humanitarian relief, reaching over 1 million people annually. Learn more: www.vwb.org
Media Contact:
Tanja Kisslinger
Director of Communications
VWB/VSF North America
tanja@vwb.org / +1 613 413 5776
