Animal Balance is planning a return trip to the island of San Cristobal in the Galapagos, Ecuador. We have been working on the islands since 2004, providing humane population management for cats and dogs in order to allow all species to coexist together peacefully. We work with government agencies and train local veterinarians to continue our work when we leave. Our work helps to protect all species that inhabit the island, including sea lions, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, and many others.
The Galapagos Islands are home to myriad species and are well-known for their biodiversity and significance in our understanding of evolution and the natural world. Due to human occupation over the years, populations of cats and dogs have grown and, without humane population management, are at risk by people who view them as a threat to other species. There is currently very limited access to basic veterinary care for companion animals on the island.
By bringing a team of skilled veterinarians and veterinary technicians who specialize in high-volume spay/neuter to the island, Animal Balance can quickly impact the cat and dog population. With a 15 year history working on the Galapagos, a high percentage of the animals are already sterilized. By making periodic return trips to the area, we can maintain the sterilization rate to ensure that the cat and dog populations remain stable, and continue to work on humane education and social change.
Ensuring that cat and dog populations are humanely managed protects other species on the island, while allowing humans to enjoy the benefit of companion animals by fostering the human-animal bond. This bond ignites social change which, in turn, creates a better environment for all animals, human and non-human, to live happier, healthier lives on the island that they call home. Access to basic veterinary care empowers humans to become better stewards for the animals that live with them.
