
about us
our story
Animal Balance is a global non-governmental organization. Our mission is to collaborate with communities in need to create sustainable and humane non-human animal management programs to prevent suffering and ignite social change
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From the Galápagos Islands to West Texas, Animal Balance goes where it's needed most. Whether it's protecting endangered species on remote archipelagos or addressing the challenges of street dog populations, AB shows up—with compassion, collaboration, and commitment. Working alongside local officials, communities, and support networks, we create the conditions for all species to coexist and thrive with dignity and respect.
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timeline
2004 first mission on Isabela
Animal Balance launches its first mission in the Galápagos Islands, beginning on Isabela with the support of local authorities and volunteers.

2005 – 2009
expansion & first multi-island campaigns
In partnership with CIMEI, Animal Balance carries out the first large-scale sterilization campaigns across multiple islands. This period also marks the beginning of free dog training classes and humane education workshops for community members.

2009 institutionalization & vaccination begins
The Galápagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG) is established and takes over from CIMEI. A formal collaboration agreement is signed with Animal Balance. ABG launches the first island-wide DHPP vaccination program for dogs.

2010–2020 decade of commitment
Animal Balance maintains annual clinics, expands humane education in schools and neighborhoods, and continues to offer free dog training sessions.
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2020 – first permanent clinic in Isabela
With support from the Provincial Government (CGREG) and ABG, Animal Balance opens its first permanent veterinary clinic in Puerto Villamil offering free sterilization, wellness services, and serving as the hub for future programs.

2021 post-COVID alliance
Animal Balance invites World Vets to join the effort in San Cristóbal after the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding regional capacity and solidarity in animal welfare.

2024 – first full pet census completed
In partnership with local authorities, Animal Balance completes the first territory-wide census of dogs and cats on Isabela Island, revealing that 80% of dogs are already sterilized—a major milestone in humane animal control.

2025 spay it forward launch
Building the future. In memory of local champion Dr Diego Barrera, AB creates Spay It Forward scholarships and on the job training for Ecuadorian vets. Barrera’s protégé, Dr Eddie Llambo, founds VetAID Ecuador, spreading the Galápagos model to the mainland.

advisory board

Marylin Cruz
Former Director, Galápagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG)

John Boone
Conservation Biologist and Feral Animal Management Expert

Cathy King
Founder & Executive Director, Canine Crusaders & World Vets

Víctor Carrión
Former Environmental Manager, Municipality of Isabela

Roger Tabor
Urban Wildlife Biologist, Author, and Broadcaster

Dr. Raymond Deonanan
Veterinary Surgeon and International Trainer

Annie Kluetmeier
Wildlife Veterinarian and Conservation Consultant

Connie Varnhagen
Animal Welfare Advocate and Volunteer Leader

Julie Levy
Professor of Shelter Medicine, University of Florida

Susan Monger
International Program Director, Veterinarians Without Borders

Eddie Llambo
Ecuadorian Veterinarian, Spay/Neuter Specialist

Sara Luz Ruiz
Community Organizer and Environmental Educator

Dairne Ryan
International Operations Coordinator, Animal Balance

Maia Kinkaid
Animal Communication Specialist and Educator

Dra. Priscilla Espín
Galápagos-Based Veterinarian and Educator






