Volunteering in Cambodia was an experience of a lifetime for Camilla

Through VetPartners’ overseas volunteering fund, colleagues can support worthy causes while boosting their clinical skills by working often in the most challenging conditions.

Whether in Africa or Asia, vets and RVNs can apply for funding to undertake clinical work with animal charities across the world.

As we mark International Volunteer Day on December 5th, Camilla Ackroyd, an RVN at Wood Vets in Gloucester, talks about her unforgettable experience of volunteering for a charity in Cambodia.

WITH the help of a grant from VetPartners, I was able to fulfil my dream of volunteering overseas.

I spent two weeks carrying out charitable veterinary work for Phnom Penh Animal Welfare Society (PPAWS) in Cambodia. It was a truly enriching experience that will live with me forever.

During the first two days of my time with PPAWS, I helped with their monthly mission, whereby the team set up in a remote location to provide treatment to animals in need including neutering, rabies vaccines, parasite treatment and, if necessary, emergency care.

I learnt so much from the team working for PPAWS, observing how they can still carry out good and efficient care with fewer resources than we have in the UK. During these two days we completed 27 neutering surgeries, administered 50 parasite treatments and gave 43 rabies vaccinations.

When working at the PPAWS veterinary clinic, I would typically arrive via Tuk Tuk at 8am. Every single staff member was welcoming and so friendly. I quickly felt huge admiration for their great positivity, work ethic and efficiency. The whole team would carry out inpatient checks in the morning, throughout the day and in the evenings, including health checks, medicating, feeding and cleaning.

Animals arrived at the clinic for consults with the vets, which I was delighted to be involved in. Emergency and routine surgeries were carried out at the clinic. It was eye-opening to learn of the limited drugs and consumables available. With this in mind, working with the team to create treatment plans and provide care was a challenging and rewarding experience.

PPAWS is also a shelter for dogs and cats looking for adoption. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these sweet and loving animals. It was a privilege to see how they became increasingly trusting with me over the weeks I spent with them.

I brought a selection of soft toys for them to enjoy, and it was heart-warming to see those received so happily.

A working day would typically finish around 6pm. It was interesting to see certain disease and illness more prevalent, or less so, in comparison to the UK. To see the improvement of health and trust of the animals treated at PPAWS during my time here was incredibly rewarding and a reminder of why so many of us go into the veterinary profession.

Worldwide Veterinary Services supported me greatly, as did various veterinary companies in donating equipment and supplies, which I know PPAWS were grateful for. I feel as though I have made long-lasting connections, wanting to continue to support and learn from PPAWS in the future.

During my time at PPAWS, I enjoyed sharing variations of techniques and treatments. It was wonderful to have learnt from the team, but I was also happy to assist in education and contribute to discussions. I have learnt and seen that procedures and techniques can be adapted with the resources available and the outcome can still be a high standard of care.

The most significant insight I gained from visiting Cambodia is that the people are cheerful, hard-working and resilient even after many years of economic struggles and instability. It has reminded me how lucky I am to be a veterinary nurse in the UK and how insignificant the things we stress about are.

During my time with PPAWS it was easy to adopt the positive culture of those people I was surrounded by. I feel very lucky to have had the experience.

If volunteering overseas is your dream for 2026, why not apply for funding.Vets and RVNs who have worked for VetPartners for at least 12 months can apply for a grant to volunteer overseas.

The next funding window opens in May 2026.

Full details of the scheme and how to apply can be found here:         

UK (GB): https://www.myvetpartners.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

Ireland (NI and ROI): https://www.myvetpartners.ie/terms-and-conditions