Volunteer overseas in veterinary

Contribute your veterinary skills and passion to support locally led sustainable development.

The Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that matches skilled Australians with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia, and Africa to support them to achieve their own development goals.

Australian volunteers support hundreds of organisations through in-country, remote and hybrid assignments, assisting with veterinary projects to advance locally led goals.

If you’re interested in sharing your skills overseas and experiencing new opportunities and cultures, we encourage you to learn more about what support is available through the program and how you can apply today.

Whether you're looking to volunteer in-country or remotely, check out our veterinary assignments and discover the right fit for you.

'I'm very involved in our hospital and every day is different.'

Australian veterinary nurse Jacqueline Esteban volunteered for 12 months as a Veterinary Support Officer with Free the Bears in Laos, an organisation that is 'working towards a goal that I’m very passionate about,' says Jacqueline.

A person stands to the right of the frame with a pen poised over a checklist on a clipboard. In the background, a bear is sitting at the top of a tree trunk looking towards the camera. Elsewhere in the background are trees, mountains and a blue sky.

Skills we're looking for 

We’re looking for volunteers to support locally led veterinary projects in a range of organisations. A range of assignments are available for veterinarians, vet nurses, shelter managers, and more. Available assignments depend on the current priorities of our overseas partner organisations.

Help build the capacity of veterinary professionals working in the public and private sector. In addition to technical expertise, we look for volunteers with skills such as: 

  • Adaptability and resilience
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Relationship-building

If you think you have the right skills and experience for a role, check out our latest assignments.

Contact us if have questions about current veterinary volunteer opportunities.

Practical support so you can focus on your assignment

  • Volunteers receive an accommodation allowance and a living allowance for daily expenses like food and internet. We also cover flights, insurance and more.
  • We provide extensive support including 24/7 emergency assistance, psycho-social support, comprehensive travel insurance and on the ground support from our country teams.
  • We support volunteers' professional development, cultural awareness, and international connections with learning opportunities at all stages of the volunteer journey, including a comprehensive pre-departure briefing.

Find your perfect assignment

Our partners are always looking for skilled volunteers, and roles change regularly.

Explore our current assignments
A medium size dog stands on an examination table. The dog has a white coat and a red collar. Three people stand to one side of the table. One person holds the dog gently while the other two people conduct an ultrasound of the dog.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Australian Volunteers Program is committed to ensuring that volunteers and partners can safely and equitably participate in the program, regardless of their identity. Volunteers are supported throughout their volunteer journey, and we actively support and encourage people of all backgrounds and abilities to volunteer.

Learn about our commitment to inclusion

Stay up to date on the latest volunteer assignments.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.