World Vets

World Vets remains committed to the health and well-being of the dogs and cats of San Cristobal Island by providing ongoing veterinary care to the community. Since opening its small animal clinic in 2021, the organization has treated over 5,000 pets free of charge, including 1,500 patients last year alone.

In 2025, the clinic has already cared for hundreds of animals, addressing illnesses, injuries, parasite control, and other treatments. In addition we have multiple sterilization campaigns scheduled this year, with one happening this week,  reinforcing our commitment to responsible pet ownership and the protection of endemic wildlife in the Galápagos.

San Cristóbal, Galápagos – World Vets has reinforced its Galapagos conservation efforts with a major donation to the Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG) aimed at enhancing wildlife protection on San Cristóbal Island.  Dr Cathy King, CEO of World Vets was there to make the presentation to speak to the audience of local authorities, park rangers  and members of the community about the important work being done.  In 2024, World Vets responded to over 650 wildlife cases and continues the work into 2025 with a veterinary team available 24/7 to respond to wildlife emergencies on San Cristobal Island.

The donation included a 4×4 truck, made possible with financial support from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund, and a zodiac boat with an engine, via contributions made in memory of Joan Wattles. These resources will significantly improve the park’s Rapid Response Network of which World Vets is the partner NGO, ensuring faster response times to both land and sea incidents.  We thank these generous donors for supporting this important work to build the capacity for wildlife rescue and response in Galapagos.  These important donations enhance the Wildlife Rescue Center built by World Vets in 2024 (with support from SeaWorld Conservation Fund)  which serves as the central hub for wildlife rescue on San Cristobal Island.

This initiative is part of a broader cooperation agreement between DPNG and World Vets, highlighting the power of international partnerships in preserving the Galápagos’ unique biodiversity.

Another successful sterilization campaign on San Cristobal Island provided 156 spay-and-neuter surgeries for cats and dogs. Over 217 animals were provided with free veterinary services, including 58 health checkups, parasite prevention, and various other treatments. World Vets’ team of volunteers from the U.S. helped deliver this important veterinary care to the pets of Galapagos, all at zero-cost to local pet owners.

We are grateful for the local collaboration with GAD Municipal de San Cristóbal Galápagos, Animal Balance, and Agencia de Bioseguridad para Galápagos who help make these sterilization clinics and veterinary services accessible to Galapagos residents. Thanks to all of our supporters worldwide whose contributions to World Vets’ programs benefit thousands of animals every year.

Photo credits to Donna Ortiz, Rachel Bryan, EJ Verble, Emily Badillo, Ryan Hammonds, and Allison Allan.

We are very proud to announce that World Vets, together with the Galápagos National Park, officially opened the Galapagos Wildlife Rescue Center last week! Located on San Cristobal Island, it is the first and only rescue center on the island, which is the capital of Galapagos. The grand opening was attended by Dr. Arturo Izurieta, Director of the Galápagos National Park, Dr Cathy King, Executive Director of World Vets and other local authorities, the community and staff of both institutions.

World Vets works together with the Galápagos National Park Rapid Response Network, providing 24/7 response for injured wildlife of all species. In the last year, our veterinary team, together with Park Rangers, responded to over 400 wildlife cases on the island. About 70% of the cases involved Galápagos sea lions, which are classified as an endangered species.

The new center will greatly improve the capacity to help wildlife and includes areas for surgery, diagnostic imaging, office, treatment area, laboratory, animal holding pens and necropsy/pathology laboratory. It is equipped with digital x-ray, ultrasound, gas anesthesia, oxygen concentrator, bloodwork machines, laboratory, intensive care unit for birds and reptiles, multi-parameter monitors, computer workstations and Starlink high speed internet.

San Cristobal is the home to a diverse population of iconic species such as Galápagos sea lions, giant tortoises, sea turtles, marine iguanas, Blue Footed Booby and much more. We are proud to work together with the Galápagos National Park in these ongoing efforts to improve the long-term capacity for veterinary support and wildlife response to help protect the biodiversity of the islands.

This is the first phase of a multi-phase project. We are very grateful for the funding support from the SeaWorld Conservation Fund and donations made in memory of Dr. Jerry Brown and Joan Wattles, which helped make this dream a reality.

With Thanks to Major Donors: