SHERIDAN — Dogs and cats are not the exotic animals that typically come to mind when one thinks of the Galapagos Islands. But 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, they are in desperate need of medical treatment.

Volunteering their time and training, three local veterinary medicine professionals — veterinarians Amber Ingersoll and Cindy Hager and veterinary technician Hanna Mudder — recently traveled to the Galapagos’ easternmost island to provide free care to 172 animals.

The sterilization — or surgical removal of reproductive organs — of dogs and cats is mandatory on San Cristóbal Island, but lack of access to both basic and advanced veterinary care creates significant challenges for local pet owners.

To alleviate this financial burden and prevent the spread of disease through overpopul

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