Animal Doctors Abroad

Although traveling may not be the safest at the moment, we can still cherish the experiences we have had thus far!  Thank you to Robyn Cates of Oregon State University for sharing her story with us - we can't wait to see what you accomplish in the future!

'Last summer I had the opportunity to volunteer at a non-profit clinic on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Islands. The main goals of the clinic are: domestic animal population control through sterilization programs, therefore protecting the biodiversity of native wildlife, and community education on animal welfare. This photo of me with four puppies is from one of our spay/neuter campaigns where we traveled to nearby Isabela island and sterilized 67 animals over three days. These puppies got parasitic treatment and their mother was spayed. Isabela island has no veterinarian so this campaign that occurs every few months is the community's only access to animal care. This trip was incredibly rewarding. Unfortunately the clinic is temporarily closed but a new NGO will be taking it over in the coming year and I cannot wait to go back! The sea turtle is another friend I found along my journey through these beautiful islands.'