University-Based Animal Welfare Organizations in Ecuador: A National One Health Perspective

University-based animal welfare organizations are grassroots actors involved in managing free-roaming dog and cat populations, yet their role remains poorly characterized, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify and describe animal welfare organizations operating within universities in Ecuador and to analyze their potential contributions within a One Health framework. A cross-sectional survey of 63 universities was conducted using publicly available information from institutional websites and social media platforms, complemented by semi-structured interviews with representatives of identified organizations. Organizations with evidence of activity through 2026 and a focus on dogs or cats were included. A total of 14 animal welfare organizations from 12 universities were identified, representing 19.0% of the universities analyzed. Most organizations were located in public universities (75.0%), and 28.6% were associated with veterinary-related programs. Thematic analysis of interview data (12 out of 14 organizations interviewed) revealed four key dimensions of organizational functioning: capacity and governance, animal care and population management, public health and community engagement, and institutional integration. Reported activities included animal rescue, sterilization campaigns, adoption initiatives, and community outreach, aligning with internationally recommended strategies for humane population management. Several organizations have extended their reach beyond campus boundaries through free veterinary intervention campaigns in rural communities, partnerships with municipal authorities, and collaboration with civil society networks, reflecting a broader public health role consistent with One Health principles. Despite their potential, these organizations face structural challenges, including high volunteer turnover, the absence of direct institutional funding, and limited formal integration into governmental frameworks. Institutional support, where present, is predominantly material rather than financial, placing the burden of sustainability on self-management mechanisms. Nonetheless, their embeddedness within academic environments positions them as strategic platforms for interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential training, and community engagement. This study highlights the need to recognize and integrate university-based animal welfare organizations into broader animal population management and public health strategies. Strengthening partnerships between academia, government, and civil society could enhance both animal welfare outcomes and zoonotic disease surveillance efforts in Ecuador and other low- and middle-income countries.