Short-Term Volunteers | Veterinarians Without Borders
Skip to Main Content

Join a Short-Term Volunteer Team

YVP participants in Kenya

Veterinarians Without Borders/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VWB/VSF) was founded in 2005 to facilitate volunteer work by Canadian veterinarians in developing countries around the world. Since that time, volunteers have played a very important role in our work!

Application is now closed 

About Short-Term Volunteers

As part of the VETS (Volunteers Engaged in Gender-Responsive Technical Solutions) program, short-term volunteers support the objectives of the VETS Program through mobilizing Canadian volunteers to strengthen capacity of local partners. Through targeted program activities and relevant workshops and training sessions, short-term volunteers aim to increase potential for local partner organizations to create sustainable and healthier communities. Upon completion of their assignments, short-term volunteers share about their volunteer experience with the Canadian public to improve awareness and understand of VWB/VSF’s international cooperation efforts. 

Applications are now closed.

See Positions 

Short-Term Volunteer Details

  • Fully-funded, 3-week volunteer placements in January/February 2024
  • Volunteer together with other professionals in Kenya or Ghana 
  • Build connections and cross-cultural relationships
  • Participate in pre-departure orientation 
  • Engage the Canadian public after your placement to raise awareness about Canada's involvement in international development
  • Volunteer eligibility:
    • Able to commit to the duration of the placement
    • Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada
    • Relevant background and experience to carry out volunteer assignment objectives (see below)
    • Vaccination against COVID is recommended by WUSC. International volunteers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as per airline or assignment country requirements and must be able to provide proof should the airline or assignment country immigration authority require proof of vaccination.

Young boy holds a goat while a volunteer administers a vaccination.

Volunteer placements are fully-funded — thanks to Global Affairs Canada

VWB/VSF will cover the cost of predeparture training, round-trip airfare to placement country, visa/permit costs, required vaccinations, and emergency travel health insurance. Further, participants receive a modest living allowance designed to cover basic housing, food, and typical living expenses.

GAC and VWB logo

YVP Group Shot 2022

In the past, short-term volunteers have provided additional support for remote veterinary clinics, vaccination campaigns, research and data collection, and more. VWB/VSF Volunteers contribute to healthier communities around the globe!

Short-Term Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in joining a Short-Term Volunteer Team? We'd love to hear from you! Indicate which location / position you are interested in on your application form. VWB/VSF will determine placements based on the applicant's background and experience, together with the needs of our local partners. Take a look below.


KENYA - Wakulima Dairy

KENYA - Meru Dairy

GHANA - Ghana Poultry Network 

GHANA - APEX Women in Poultry 


Application deadline: October 22, 2023

What makes an effective volunteer?

International volunteers often experience new and challenging circumstances. It's hard to know how we will react until we face those challenges. However, there are personal and professional qualities that help to identify people who will be effective working and living in another country.

It is important to be flexible. International volunteers often need to adapt to unfamiliar circumstances. At times you could experience inconvenience or discomfort. Volunteers need the self-confidence to take action on their own. The most effective volunteers also thrive as collaborative team members, overcoming cultural and language barriers to share accomplishments as part of a team.

International volunteer work is an opportunity to develop and strengthen skills and abilities that will last a lifetime.

If you would like to contribute to the health of animals, people, and the planet, then a volunteer assignment may be right for you.


Questions? Email volunteer@vetswithoutborders.ca and we'll be happy to help!

Cows in Kenya

Stories From Around The World

Before the First Patient: Pandemic Preparedness Begins in Communities

Before the First Patient: Pandemic Preparedness Begins in Communities

Posted Jul 3rd, 2026

In recognition of World Zoonoses Day 2026, this article explores how community-centered One Health approaches can help detect, prevent, and respond to zoonotic diseases before they become global health emergencies.

Read more

VETS Volunteer Voices: Bigger Than a Proposal in Cambodia

VETS Volunteer Voices: Bigger Than a Proposal in Cambodia

Posted Jun 28th, 2026

#VETSVolunteerVoices brings you stories from the field shared by passionate VETS program volunteers. Meet Vincent Auclair, a Fundraising Advisor who spent four and a half months in Cambodia (January–May 2026) with our local partner, AVSF Cambodia, supporting proposal development, fundraising systems, and organizational capacity strengthening.

Read more

When Communities Lead: Lessons in Resilience from South Sudan

When Communities Lead: Lessons in Resilience from South Sudan

Posted Jun 24th, 2026

From Community Animal Health Workers to livestock keepers participating in the Passing-on-the-Gift model, communities across South Sudan are carrying forward the skills, knowledge, and systems strengthened through the 1-SHOP project. As the project concludes, we reflect on the lasting impacts of this community-led approach to resilience.

Read more

  • 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. 

Volunteer  Donate  

+1(343) 633-0272 Contact