UK registered veterinary nurse (RVN), Poppy Claydon, recently completed the WVS Taskforce Nursing Programme – travelling around the world to bring nursing care to animals in need.
The programme focuses on providing nursing support for the local teams at our International Training Centres (these are our central hubs for treating thousands of animals, as well as training veterinary professionals) located in Cambodia, India (one in Goa and one in Tamil Nadu), Galapagos Islands, Malawi, and Thailand.
These centres are situated in places where veterinary services are lacking – often with our veterinary teams being the only chance an animal will have of receiving care. Like in any clinical setting, high-quality nursing support makes all the difference. And we’re all about delivering the very best for every patient who steps through our doors.
Not only does our Taskforce Nursing Programme benefit the animals treated, but it also offers a unique opportunity for RVNs to make a difference in international animal welfare. Each nurse taking part in the one-year programme rotates every three months, bringing nursing support to different WVS projects around the globe.
‘The best job in the world’: Poppy shares her experience
RVN, Poppy, completed the nursing programme earlier this year and has since transitioned into joining us as a permanent member of the team at our UK office in Dorset - working on our online learning platform, the WVS Academy.
How would you describe your overall experience of the programme?
I started out in veterinary nursing with the dream of working abroad in the charity sector, especially in places with limited resources. When I saw the Taskforce role advertised, it felt like the perfect fit, and after completing it, I can honestly say it lived up to that expectation. I’m so grateful to have worked with a charity that shares my values and to have had a role that aligned so well with my passions. It’s been an incredible experience, and I feel privileged to have been part of it. As a vet nurse, this has truly been the best job in the world!
'It’s been an incredible experience, and I feel privileged to have been part of it. As a vet nurse, this has truly been the best job in the world!'
What is the most valuable take home you have learnt from being on the programme?
For me, it’s been meeting so many like-minded and passionate people, all working tirelessly toward the same goal. I’ve been constantly inspired in each placement by the people that I’ve met and felt reassured knowing there are others out there who truly care and want to make a difference. That sense of shared purpose has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
How did you find being away from home for the year?
I’ve spent quite a bit of time away from home over the past few years, so that part wasn’t too difficult for me. What was more challenging was the frequent moving around, it made it harder to feel settled. That said, I was lucky to have such supportive and welcoming teams wherever I went, and that made a huge difference. There was always someone to turn to, and I made sure to stay connected with friends and family back home. Plus, moving around gave me the chance to meet so many amazing people in every place I went, so it was all part of the adventure!
'Moving around gave me the chance to meet so many amazing people in every place I went.'
Image: Poppy at WVS Thailand centre
What was your favourite placement and why?
It’s so hard to choose a favourite because each placement offered something unique, from the incredible wildlife and beauty of the Galápagos Islands to the hustle and bustle of city life in Chiang Mai and Phnom Penh. From small clinics to the big ITCs (International Training Centre), every location brought different cases, teams, and opportunities, and I learned so much from each one. That said, Cambodia stands out as the highlight for me. Getting to be the first Taskforce nurse to help set up our new ITC there, working closely with an incredible, eager team. It was by far the most rewarding experience, and I felt privileged to be part of the project during such a crucial early stage. It was also one of the most challenging placements, but I really thrived on that intensity and excitement, and it felt like all my previous placements had prepared me for Cambodia. My placement in Cambodia is by far my greatest career achievement to date.
Image: Poppy with team members in Cambodia
Tell us about a particular patient that stood out for you.
There's been so many cases that have really stuck with me from the last year. One patient that stood out is little Gus from the beginning of my time in Malawi. Gus first came to us after being found with a huge laceration on her bottom jaw. During my time in Malawi, I got to see Gus heal and grow, and I was so pleased to hear when she got adopted!
Image: Poppy with patient, Gus, treated in Malawi
How do you think your nursing career has changed after completing the year?
Already coming from a background in charity and shelter medicine, this year really confirmed that this is where I want to be! Not only this but this year also helped me to further develop other crucial skills I hadn’t used as much before, particularly in education and teaching. While not something I originally planned to focus on, over time I’ve seen firsthand how vital it is for improving global animal welfare. Having the chance to grow in that area during this role has been so rewarding and has opened up a new direction I hadn’t considered before. I feel incredibly grateful for the experience, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned into my next chapter with WVS as part of the WVS Academy team.
'...this year really confirmed that this is where I want to be!'
Image: Poppy delivering lectures in Cambodia
Is there any advice you would give for nurses thinking about applying for the programme or volunteering with WVS in the future?
Absolutely, just go for it! There are so many incredible experiences waiting for you. You’ll get the chance to work in places you might never otherwise see and make a real difference where it’s needed most. From outreach projects in remote communities in the highlands of Ecuador to providing TVT treatments for dogs in Malawi, every opportunity is unique and rewarding. It’s an amazing way to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger, you won’t regret it!
'It’s an amazing way to learn, grow, and be part of something bigger, you won’t regret it!'
Image: Poppy treats a TVT patient in Malawi
Be a part of the action
Are you a UK vet nurse interested in the nursing programme?
We recruit for the programme twice a year, so look out for updates via our social media channels. You can also get in touch to register your interest. Applications for the next nurse rotations will open 1st January 2026.
Support the mission to improve animal welfare worldwide
Looking for more ways to get involved and support this life-changing mission for animals? Visit our Support Us page to discover all the great ways you can make a difference for animals living in places where vet care is desperately needed.