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Northern Animal Health Initiative (NAHI)

The Northern Animal Health Initiative is focused on improving animal health in Canada's North by providing services for underserved communities across Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. We are currently recruiting for volunteers for our autumn 2025 clinics. 

We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the NAHI autumn 2025 clinics. This program offers a unique opportunity to veterinarians (licensed in a Canadian province/territory) and RVTs to contribute to the health and well-being of animals in remote communities, while gaining valuable experience in veterinary practice. 

Please see the following detailed placement description for the upcoming clinics:

We encourage you to review the information in the placement description carefully and consider applying to be part of this impactful initiative.  

Additionally, before you apply, please take a moment to click here and watch this video, which will provide you with information about the Northern Animal Health Initiative. While the video is slightly dated, most of the information remains relevant, with only a few minor changes. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Application Deadline: July 8th, 2025

Returning volunteers: You do not need to fill out this application. Please send a message to Gen instead with your preferred trip dates (dates found in the application form linked above). 

Thank you for your interest!

We appreciate your interest in volunteering and contributing to our mission and look forward to the possibility of working with you. 
 
Please note: We are a small (but mighty) team. For that reason, we cannot always reply to individual emails and only the candidates who are selected will be contacted. 
 
Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm for animal health. 

Questions? Please reach out to: northernprogram@vwb.org 

What makes an effective volunteer?

Beyond the technical skills necessary for volunteer placements, we seek individuals who embody a growth mindset and bring a genuine passion for contributing to meaningful change.

Effective volunteers possess a positive attitude and the ability to demonstrate the following key competencies:

  • Self-awareness and self-confidence: Volunteers should have a clear understanding of their strengths and areas for growth, allowing them to navigate challenges with confidence and humility.
  • Communication and collaboration: The ability to engage with diverse teams, listen actively, and share knowledge effectively is crucial for building strong relationships and achieving common goals.
  • Adaptability, resilience, and comfort with uncertainty: International placements often present unpredictable situations, and successful volunteers embrace these challenges with flexibility and a problem-solving mindset.
  • Intercultural and gender sensitivity: Volunteers must be able to engage respectfully with different cultures and communities, promoting inclusion and understanding across gender lines to ensure equitable participation in projects.

These competencies enable volunteers to thrive in dynamic, cross-cultural environments and make a lasting impact.

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