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Volunteering With VWB

VWB was founded in 2005 to facilitate volunteerism in developing countries. Volunteers (national and international) continue to play an essential role in our work. 

Do you want your personal and professional endeavors to have purpose? Do you want to use your time, energy, and talents to create a positive impact for the animals, communities, and environment we share? Become a VWB volunteer! We are always looking for passionate and purposeful people to work with us in Northern Canada and overseas.

Apply today for a volunteer placement and see where in the world your compassion will take you... 

Current Volunteer Opportunities:

Are you interested in volunteering with us? Simply click on any position title below to apply directly for that role.

Questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out: volunteer@vwb.org 

International | VETS Program 

The Volunteers Engaged in Gender Responsive Technical Solutions (VETS) program aims to mobilize more than 190 volunteers in Africa and Asia over an 8-year period (2020-2028). Learn more about VETS.

Current VETS volunteer opportunities are listed below. If you don't see one that fits your skills and experience, apply using our VETS General Volunteer Application. Our partners often require skills and experience which may not be expressed in a position below so there may be an opportunity to design a custom placement based on your skill set which is in line with a partner's needs. 

ANIMAL HEALTH, ENVIRONMENT, AND FOOD SECURITY

GENDER EQUALITY AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

COMMUNICATIONS, MONITORING & EVALUATION, AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

International | COHERS Program 

The Community One Health Empowerment in Rwanda and Senegal (COHERS) project strengthens community-led, gender-responsive One Health systems, supporting over 127,000 people to prevent, detect, and respond to targeted zoonotic diseases. Learn more about COHERS here

Current COHERS volunteer opportunities are listed below:

Northern Canada | Northern Animal Health Initiative 

Watch this page for future opportunities to volunteer with NAHI and support our drive-in / fly-in community trips. In the meantime, your comments and questions are welcome: northernprogram@vwb.org

Why volunteer with VWB?

There are many reasons to become a VWB volunteer. Here are a few:

Support local organizations: Volunteers support our partner organizations to make a positive difference in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

Give and grow: Volunteers contribute to meaningful initiatives and gain personal benefits by sharing skills in complex and interesting contexts.

Be inspired: Volunteers often return to their lives and jobs inspired and refreshed, with a renewed sense of passion for animal welfare and international cooperation.

Expand your mind: Volunteers experience new countries and cultures, learning firsthand about the interconnected world we share.

What makes an effective volunteer?

Beyond the technical skills that are necessary for volunteer placements, we also are looking for volunteers with positive attitudes who are able to demonstrate the following competencies.

We have found that volunteers who possess these skills are both effective and successful in their roles:

  • Self awareness and self-confidence 
  • Communication and collaboration 
  • Independence and pro-active approach 
  • Adaptability, resilience, and comfort with uncertainty
  • Intercultural and gender sensitivity 

Two people biking through a grassy field. A wooden hut and cattle are in the background.

Volunteer internationally with VETS

The Volunteers Engaged in Gender Responsive Technical Solutions (VETS) program aims to mobilize more than 190 volunteers in Africa and Asia over an 8-year period (2020-2028). Learn more about VETS.

VETS volunteers include veterinarians, veterinary technologists, animal and human nutritionists, professors of veterinary medicine, veterinary clinic managers, rural development specialists, communications advisors, business development advisors, monitoring and evaluation, gender specialists and others.

VETS volunteer placements range from three weeks to two years, depending on the nature of the position.

Open VETS volunteer positions are listed above, on this page.

Stories From Around The World

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.

Read more

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.

Read more

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

  • The most rewarding part of my placements was helping others and seeing the many lives that are impacted along the way.
    - Nikki Sheedy

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