Why volunteer with us?
We do our best to keep the costs of each trip as low as possible, to enable more volunteers to be sent around the world, to where they are needed most. Our top priority is helping animals in places where no one else can - and you can be part of this while having the adventure of a lifetime!
Make a lasting impact
Work on vital projects that improve animal welfare in underserved communities around the world. Your contribution directly helps animals and communities that have limited access to veterinary care.
Gain unique experience
Develop practical skills in challenging and rewarding environments you won't find anywhere else. Build your CV with hands-on experience in international veterinary work.
All levels welcome
From vet students to experienced professionals, and even non-veterinary volunteers. We have opportunities for everyone who wants to make a difference.
Affordable adventures
We keep costs low so more people can participate in life-changing experiences. Your investment goes directly toward helping animals and communities in need.
Hear from past volunteers
Ellie Shelburne
Veterinarian
Volunteered at Karumbé Sea Turtle Project
“Perhaps my favourite activity was releasing tagged turtles back to the ocean, knowing they can live over 80 years and swim huge distances, to Africa, the United States and back to Uruguay. I came away with many memories and a renewed awareness of how many of the things we do can affect the earth and all its creatures.”
Melinda Hollinger
Veterinary Technician
Volunteered at the Galapagos Animal Doctors
“Our volunteer handbooks from WVS were very helpful in preparing for our trip detailing everything we needed from vaccinations required, and what to pack in our luggage, to what to expect on the islands.”
Paul and Annie
Volunteers
Volunteered at WVS Thailand
“This experience has changed everything about us. We know that even when we move on from here, we will always return, for as long as it's possible. We have made that our commitment.”
Frequently asked questions for volunteering abroad
Are you looking for more than an overseas vacation? Are you looking for a meaningful experience that will challenge you? Volunteering may be for you.
Volunteering can be hard work, and often in conditions you may not be used to. You may have to work with basic resources, brave the wet season, or sleep under a mosquito net. Nonetheless, those who take these challenges in their stride, return home after nothing short of a life-changing experience.
With plenty of projects around the world taking on volunteers, it's only a matter of time before you find the right one for you. So, what are you waiting for? Start your journey today by browsing our volunteer trips. Where can you see yourself spending your time and energy to help animals in need?
Founded in 2003 by veterinarian Luke Gamble, WVS was set up to help animals in places lacking veterinary resources, and where animal suffering was at its worst. Today, we help a huge variety of species and aim to improve not only animal welfare, but also help the local communities in which we work and provide training to the local veterinary workforce. We do this by sending vets, nurses/technicians, and other support staff to where they are needed most, to increase the standard of care across the globe, as well as shipping urgent aid supplies to frontline teams, every week of the year. In 2022, we treated over 62,000 animals worldwide.
Volunteers have always played a critical role in this life-saving work. Hundreds of volunteers - veterinary surgeons, nurses, and those with a love of animals - have supported our animal welfare projects around the world. We ensure these devoted volunteers (people just like you!) can go where the need is greatest and where their impact will be felt by the animals and local communities, for years to come.
You can join our team of international volunteers. Apply today, and become an official part of the WVS family.
Yes! Whilst some of our volunteer programmes are based in veterinary clinics or outreach centres and require a certain level of experience either as a student, graduate, or professional, we also have some programmes perfect for people without a veterinary background. Animal lovers just like you who are passionate about animal welfare, could help track animals in South Africa, assist wildlife rangers in Malawi, or conduct surveys on stranded sea turtles in Uruguay, just to name a few. To view all our volunteering programmes currently open for applications, click here.
