Global Vets is a student run program at the Ontario Veterinary College, which allows student veterinarians a unique opportunity to explore animal health care in developing countries.  The program was started in 1997 by two second year students and is modelled after a similar program Called Defi Vet-Mond at Faculté de médecine vétérinaire at the Université de Montreal.

The pilot project took place in the summer of 1998, allowing two students from the Ontario Veterinary College to travel to India and volunteer with various animal health professionals.  Upon their return, they shared their experience with the University of Guelph community and the animal health industry throughout Canada.

Mission Statement & Philosophy

Global Vets was formed to promote international collaboration on animal health and welfare, agricultural development and ecosystem health. The program strives to enhance working relationships and the exchange of ideas between Canadian veterinarians and their colleagues in developing regions of the world.

About the Program

Second year students have the opportunity to participate after intensively researching animal and public health, as well as environmental issues, that are occurring in developing countries.  With the help of the International Veterinary Medicine Club and faculty members, the students create project proposals based on the needs of their chosen region.  The students are responsible for planning their project itineraries, making contacts in their host country, raising sponsorship and awareness for their project and sharing information upon their return to Canada.  Participants then go on to advise next year’s student who will represent Global Vets the following year.