Compassion. Collaboration. Coexistence. 

In 2004, Animal Balance was formed to address the escalating cat and dog populations on the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The authorities, up to that time, had been using rat poison to kill the cats and dogs, as they considered them to be ‘non-native’ and a threat to local species. Working directly with the community, we created a ‘community-based sterilization program’ for the archipelago. The community, who were upset and tired of seeing their free-roaming dogs killed by the Park Service, fully embraced the spay/neuter clinics and helped to advocate with their Mayor for further clinics. By 2008, we had sterilized 80% of the dogs on the four human-inhabited islands and the community was taking responsibility for the animals’ welfare. All species benefited from this program, which encouraged the authorities to support it and become advocates for it. Iguana colonies now flourish, where before they were dwindling in numbers. Balance can be established, even in the most remote and delicate ecosystems on the planet.

In 2008, due to the success of the Galapagos program, Animal Balance began deploying veterinary teams to islands all over the world. We have helped to stop the routine use of lethal methods and have demonstrated and then trained, the local veterinarians in the fast and safe spay/neuter technique. This helps to provide each island with a sustainable and humane, animal management program. 

In 2019, we brought our 17 years of experience and knowledge back to the USA and started Animal Balance USA. We target the highest kill shelters and send in our veterinary teams to sterilize the animals, so they may be adopted, rather than killed. Since the pandemic, our services have been needed to help shelters catch up on their backlog of surgeries, as most closed down for 3 months over the summer. 

We are now focusing our attention on the Navajo Nation. We are very used to working in remote settings with few resources, often in another culture. We have held over 70 MASH clinics around the world in every situation imaginable. Our kind, non-judgmental approach is well received in all cultures and results in mutual respect and long-lasting friendships.