About Us | Veterinarians Without Borders
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Founders Story

A woman in a red dress looking out into a wheat field at sunset.

How does a cup of coffee with friends turn into a worldwide organization?
When it comes to the passion of our founding members, big dreams were just part of the territory. 

A group of people at a coffee table with cups of coffee and notepads.

From Small Beginnings

Starting with our five founders meeting in a Guelph, Ontario café in 2005, Veterinarians Without Borders has become a full-fledged veterinary organization in Canada that is working to better the health of animals, people, and the environment in Canada and around the world.

From day one, the passion, dedication, and commitment of our organization has ranked off the scale. and within the first few months, Aeroplan committed to providing Aeroplan Miles for much-needed travel support for our projects, allowing us to work with communities in person, with on the ground, grassroots initiatives.

Meet Our Founders

With Big Dreams

Within the first year, Veterinarians Without Borders received significant government funding in recognition of our ecohealth approach, and validation that it is a good strategy for communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America and for people back home.

By working to decrease disease prevalence in developing nations, we can thereby lower the incidences of zoonoses—diseases that are passed from animals to humans, like Avian Bird Influenza and SARS—around the world. The net result is a healthier planet for everyone, including Canadians.

Our Mission

A group of Kenyan farmers with volunteers raising their hands with joy shot from above.

A group of volunteers carrying buckets with supplies walk on a thin dirt path through hilly Kenyan countryside.

To Making An Impact

Thanks to the dedication, commitment and generosity of our volunteers, our donors and our sponsors, and our Board and staff, we’ve come a long way toward big picture solutions.

Today, we work in over a dozen countries around the world. Our projects are supported by individual donors, foundations, government, and corporations. You can be a part of our successes; join the big picture and help us create: healthy animals, healthy people, and a healthy planet.

Our Projects

Stories From Around The World

VETS Volunteer Voices: Growing Stronger Together in Cambodia

VETS Volunteer Voices: Growing Stronger Together in Cambodia

Posted Jul 9th, 2026

In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local VETS program partner helping shape sustainable agriculture from within. Meet Sophoan Min, Country Representative of AVSF Cambodia, who has spent more than 25 years working alongside farming communities and VETS volunteers to strengthen farmer organizations, promote sustainable agriculture, and build more resilient rural livelihoods.

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Where Care Begins: How Helen Klengenberg Is Helping Strengthen Animal Health in Nunavut

Where Care Begins: How Helen Klengenberg Is Helping Strengthen Animal Health in Nunavut

Posted Jul 9th, 2026

From coordinating veterinary clinics to supporting future Community Animal Health Workers, Helen Klengenberg's story highlights the importance of local leadership in strengthening animal health across Nunavut. As communities continue to build local capacity, we explore how VWB is working alongside northern partners to improve access to care.

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Different Approaches, One Goal: Bringing Veterinary Care Closer

Different Approaches, One Goal: Bringing Veterinary Care Closer

Posted Jul 8th, 2026

Access to veterinary care looks different in every community. This blog explores how mobile clinics, local veterinary partners, and Community Animal Health Workers help bring care closer to animals and families in Northern Canada, Ukraine, Senegal, and beyond.

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

Become A Part Of The Big Picture

By supporting Veterinarians Without Borders through donations or volunteering, you become part of the Big Picture solution. 

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