Northern Animal Health Initiative | Veterinarians Without Borders
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dog at northern clinic

Improve health. Save lives.

Many communities in Canada’s far north have little or no access to veterinary services. Animals in these northern regions tend to live shorter lives, dying from diseases and causes that are either treatable or preventable. This can put communities at risk as unvaccinated dogs can transfer diseases – including rabies – to people.

You have the power to make a profound difference in the lives of animals in northern Canada. With the generous support of people like you, Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB/VSF), in partnership with local communities across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, can provide essential veterinary care through the Northern Animal Health Initiative.

Whether it’s vaccinating dogs to prevent disease, performing spay/neuter procedures, training members of the community to give vaccinations or charting a flight to a remote community for a volunteer veterinarian, you’ll have a real, life-saving impact that addresses the needs of a community, creates sustainable veterinary care and promotes safe, positive human-animal interactions.

Give now to have a real, life-saving impact for animals and communities in the northern regions of Canada by providing them with the vital veterinary care they need to stay healthy.

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Veterinarians without Borders values our donor relationships. We adhere to the standards published by Imagine Canada's Ethical Code Program, which lays out a set of principles for charitable organizations, and assures that they manage and report their financial affairs responsibly.

Canadian Charitable Registration Number: 84146 9547 RR0001

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In this edition of Ask an Expert, we spoke with Yana Zhambekova, Ukraine Country Director at Veterinarians Without Borders North America (VWB), about the realities facing rural communities, livestock keepers, and veterinarians across Ukraine today.

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Posted May 27th, 2026

#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you stories of our passionate VETS program volunteers from the field. Meet Donald Hilborn, an Agricultural Advisor from Ontario who recently completed his third VETS placement in Kenya (March–April 2026) with our local partner, Meru Dairy, supporting small-scale dairy farmers in building more sustainable and resilient feeding systems.

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In recognition of International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, VWB reflects on how healthy rangelands, community-led animal health systems, and pastoralist knowledge help sustain resilience across working landscapes worldwide.

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  • I loved being placed in Ghana and believe I made a significant impact to the communities.
    - Madison Russel

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