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.
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.
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.
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.
The Animals & Ales Pet Photo Contest has officially come to a close! Thanks to our amazing participants, voters, and supporters, we raised over $102,000 to provide critical veterinary care for animals in need. Meet the winners and runners-up.
Register now for our upcoming Women's Month 2026 webinar which explores how volunteer exchange strengthens animal health systems, supports women’s leadership, and creates mutual learning between volunteers and communities.
In this edition of #VETSVolunteerVoices, we shift perspective — from volunteer reflections to the voice of a local leader shaping change on the ground. Dr. Victoria Norgbey has dedicated over four decades to strengthening Ghana’s poultry sector and empowering women through WIPVaC-Apex Ghana, a key VETS partner.
