Luke Gamble is a veterinary surgeon who has turned his passion into purpose on a global scale. After graduating from Bristol University in 1999, he founded Pilgrims Veterinary Practice in the New Forest, but it was his mission to help animals in need around the world that truly changed everything.
Luke founded WVS in 2003, working to improve veterinary care around the world through providing veterinary medication, supplies, and sending volunteers vets to where they were most needed. Now, WVS treats over 100,000 animals, trains thousands of vets and sends thousands of aid parcels each year. During his travels with WVS, Luke was struck by the devastation caused to people and dogs by rabies. In 2013, he launched Mission Rabies, a project working to combat the spread of this deadly disease, which now vaccinates millions of dogs each year.
> £20mRaised for frontline animal care
50+Countries with WVS projects
2M+Dogs vaccinated annually
2,000+Veterinarians trained each year
With Leuwen outside wvs hq
As Founder and CEO of the charity Worldwide Veterinary Service, and its flagship project Mission Rabies, Luke is reshaping veterinary care worldwide
Delivering expert veterinary care where it's needed most - supporting projects worldwide. Through training, outreach, and direct action, WVS empowers veterinary professionals and communities to improving animal welfare in over 80 countries worldwide.
A high-impact, disease-busting initiative that vaccinates over 2 million dogs annually across 19 rabies-endemic countries. Mission Rabies combines cutting-edge technology, education, and local partnerships to protect both animal and human lives.
Through WVS, Luke has led the development of seven International Training Centres (ITC's), providing expert veterinary training to improve the standard of care globally. There are three in India, one in Malawi, one in Ecuador, one in Thailand and one in Cambodia.
He also pioneered the creation of a custom-built 6x6 Mercedes Zetros overland veterinary hospital, deployed across India to deliver mobile, high-tech treatment and hands-on training to some of the world's most remote and underserved communities
Luke has fronted television series on Sky One, Animal Planet, and National Geographic, and has appeared as a guest on the Graham Norton Show. He regularly speaks at veterinary and global health events, as well as festivals including Hay and Cheltenham.
He's also the author of several published works spanning memoir, children's fiction, and upcoming adult novels - many rooted in his experiences from the field.
Luke's contributions to global animal welfare have been recognised across the veterinary profession, academia, and public life. Named one of The Independent on Sunday's 101 Most Inspirational Britons, he continues to lead conversations in veterinary medicine and the international One Health movement. His research and academic publications are available via his ORCID profile. Selected honours and roles include:
Meritorious contributions to the profession - the highest level of recognition within the College.
For outstanding contributions to global veterinary science (2025).
For pioneering leadership in the field of animal welfare.
For exceptional impact on animal welfare in the UK and worldwide.
At the Centre for Animal Welfare.
Also known as the J Trevor Blackburn Award - for global contribution to animal welfare (2023).
The Independent on Sunday recognition.
Specialist in neglected zoonotic diseases.
Including delivery of the keynote One Health lecture at the WSAVA Congress in Colombia.
For outstanding contributions to animal welfare by a veterinarian.
For Outstanding Practical Work and Tireless Dedication in the Field of Animal Welfare and Protection
For making significant contributions to rabies prevention and control
For Outstanding Practical Work and Tireless Dedication in the Field of Animal Welfare and Protection
Meritorious contributions to the profession - the highest level of recognition within the College.
For outstanding contributions to global veterinary science (2025).
For pioneering leadership in the field of animal welfare.
For exceptional impact on animal welfare in the UK and worldwide.
At the Centre for Animal Welfare.
Also known as the J Trevor Blackburn Award - for global contribution to animal welfare (2023).
The Independent on Sunday recognition.
Specialist in neglected zoonotic diseases.
Including delivery of the keynote One Health lecture at the WSAVA Congress in Colombia.
For outstanding contributions to animal welfare by a veterinarian.
For Outstanding Practical Work and Tireless Dedication in the Field of Animal Welfare and Protection
For making significant contributions to rabies prevention and control
For Outstanding Practical Work and Tireless Dedication in the Field of Animal Welfare and Protection
Home ground adventures
Luke's energy extends far beyond his veterinary work. He is:
He has founded several ventures including:
He currently lives in Cornwall with his wife, four children, four dogs, two rescue cats, two ponies, and an ever-rotating cast of rehomed chickens.
From the New Forest to the far corners of the world, follow Luke's journey as a veterinary adventurer - click any photo to get a glimpse into Luke's veterinary adventures around the globe
Outreach project (WVS)
International Training Centre (WVS)
Mass Dog Vaccinations (Mission Rabies)
Lusaka, Zambia
Embark on thrilling journeys with Luke Gamble, a renowned vet and charity pioneer. Explore exciting adventures while supporting a mission to eliminate rabies worldwide.
