Imagine combining your passion for veterinary medicine with the adventure of exploring new cultures, wildlife, and communities. International Veterinary Volunteer Opportunities (IVVO) offers just that—a chance to make a difference while experiencing the beauty and diversity of the world. Founded by two dedicated veterinarians, Dr. Audrey Shen from Sydney, Australia, and Dr. Scott Bainbridge from Ontario, Canada, IVVO is more than a volunteer program—it’s a way to give back and rekindle your passion for veterinary work.

Meet the Founders: A Shared Passion for Giving Back

Dr. Audrey Shen and Dr. Scott Bainbridge bring over 43 years of combined veterinary experience to IVVO. Their journey began at Future Vet Kids Camp, a program in Australia founded by Scott and his wife Andra to inspire children to explore veterinary careers. After teaching together, Scott and Audrey discovered a shared love for education, wildlife, and giving back.

Since then, their careers have evolved to focus on volunteering and creating meaningful experiences for veterinary professionals.

• Dr. Audrey Shen:
  Audrey has dedicated herself to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, particularly since the catastrophic Australian bushfires of 2019/2020. She helped design and establish a veterinary wildlife hospital within a kangaroo sanctuary and now serves as the superintendent vet at Possumwood Wildlife Hospital. Audrey’s work also includes serving on the board of directors for Hills Wildlife Sanctuary and appearing on the Australian TV series Bondi Vet.

• Dr. Scott Bainbridge:
  Scott runs a highly successful pet sterilization program in Ecuador, hosting veterinarians and nurses from around the globe to assist with this vital work. He also serves on the board of Golden Rescue, one of Canada’s largest breed-specific rescue organizations, and frequently shares his expertise on TV shows like Dog’s Best Friend and Animal House-Calls (Animal Planet).

Both vets have recently sold their practices to devote more time to their passions for volunteering, conservation, and education.

What IVVO Offers

IVVO creates unique, hands-on volunteer experiences designed to “fill the buckets” of veterinarians, vet techs, and nurses. Each program is tailored to offer a mix of adventure, learning, and contribution:

• Pet Sterilization Programs in Ecuador: Work alongside Dr. Scott in providing essential veterinary care to underserved communities while exploring the vibrant culture of South America.

• Wildlife Rescue in Australia: Join Dr. Audrey at Possumwood Wildlife Hospital to care for iconic Australian animals like kangaroos, wombats, and echidnas.

• Expanding Horizons: New opportunities in Africa and South America are in development, offering even more ways to make a global impact.

Why Volunteer with IVVO?

IVVO is built on the philosophy of giving back—to animals, communities, and the veterinary professionals who dedicate their lives to saving them.

• Make a Difference: Provide care to animals in underserved areas or rescue wildlife in need.

• Learn and Grow: Gain hands-on experience with new species and techniques, guided by experienced mentors.

• Rekindle Your Passion: IVVO is designed to be rewarding and inspiring, offering a fresh perspective on the work you love.

• Connect and Explore: Meet like-minded professionals while immersing yourself in new cultures and landscapes.

Get Involved

IVVO’s programs are open to veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and nurses looking for a meaningful way to combine travel and professional growth. Each experience is designed to be unique, fun, and impactful, leaving you with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of purpose.

Ready to start your adventure? Contact IVVO today to learn more about their upcoming opportunities and how you can make a difference while exploring the world.

Visit https://www.ivvopportunities.com to begin your journey with International Veterinary Volunteer Opportunities.