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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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
