“There’s a lot of tools that we offer to make really understanding the data easier and start to identify where the need still exists.” This episode is sponsored in part by Cats of the Wild Podcast, Doobert.com, and Maddie's Fund. In this episode, Stacy chats with Stephanie Flier, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count, an organization that maintains a centralized, standardized database for animal shelter statistics. The organization's database, established in 2012, tracks shelter intakes and outcomes, and in 2021, they started collecting community services data. In her conversation with Stacy, Stephanie describes how Shelter Animals Count collects its data from the nearly 7,000 participating organizations across the country and then transforms it into interactive data dashboards. Stephanie provides some tips on how to navigate this data and highlights some of its features. She also discusses recent shelter trends, post-pandemic challenges, and more. To learn more about Shelter Animals Count, visit their website.

Tracking the Stats for Cats with Stephanie Filer, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count

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Join us as we continue our exploration of the transformative power of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs in the second part of our series with Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats. He shares invaluable insights on adapting TNR initiatives to various community sizes, the balance between grassroots efforts and expert approaches, and the essential steps for involving community members.  Listen in as we discuss the journey from awareness to action for local caretakers and the strategic expansion of TNR efforts that embrace the entire community. We take a deep look at what makes an effective TNR program tick. From not testing feral cats for FDLV or FIV without clinical necessity to the value of TNR certification, we share proven best practices. We also discuss the critical partnership with service providers and the importance of support networks that provide resources, affordable veterinary care, and even crowd-funded assistance for urgent cases.  Plus, learn how ongoing support for caretakers post-TNR, including food and shelter provisions, is vital for the well-being of cats and communities alike. Whether you're a seasoned TNR advocate or just starting, get practical advice for nurturing a robust TNR network in both urban and rural settings.  In this episode, you will hear:   Building a grassroots TNR movement   Creating an effective TNR program   Community cat TNR program best practices   Community TNR program support and resources   Building a movement in rural areas   Resources from this Episode For the Full Recording and Downloadable Handouts - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tnrtraining Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.neighborhoodcats.org Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcats/ Neighborhood Cats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nbrhoodcats/ The Everything TNR Playlist - https://communitycatspodcast.com/everythingtnr Visit TNR Workshops and Community Cat Care Training for more webinars like this -  https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/ This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies561). Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

562: From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

Unlock the secrets behind the transformative Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) movement with Neighborhood Cats' Bryan Kortis as we take you on a riveting two-part adventure. Dive into the grassroots story of New York City's cat population control, discovering how targeted TNR projects and collaborative community efforts led to a dramatic reduction in euthanasia rates. Be inspired by the model colony's success, where cat numbers plummeted through strategic interventions and the passionate involvement of local caretakers.  This week, we're not just talking TNR; we're showcasing the strategic mastery that has reshaped neighborhoods and saved feline lives. We explore how pilot projects can snag government support and the monumental breakthrough with Rikers Island that vaulted TNR into the limelight in NYC. Learn how focused, high-profile initiatives can amplify the impact of TNR and yield significant, documentable successes in community cat care, all while gaining insights into how you can apply these approaches in your own backyard.  In this episode, you will hear:   Community efforts to control cat population   Effective colony-level targeting for population decline   Maximizing caretaker participation in TNR   Model neighborhood project success   Building success through real-life examples    TNR success at Rikers Island   Resources from this Episode For the Full Recording and Downloadable Handouts - https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tnrtraining Neighborhood Cats Website - https://www.neighborhoodcats.org Neighborhood Cats Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neighborhoodcats/ Neighborhood Cats Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nbrhoodcats/ The Everything TNR Playlist - https://communitycatspodcast.com/everythingtnr Visit TNR Workshops and Community Cat Care Training for more webinars like this -  https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/ This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies562). Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

561: From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

Have you ever looked into the eyes of a feral cat and wondered what it would take to transform that wary creature into a contented purring pet in your lap? Our guest, Caitlin Porter from From Feral to Family, joins us to weave an inspiring tale of how she navigates the delicate path from mistrust to affection with adult feral cats. With her at the helm, we journey through the intricate socialization process, revealing not just the dedication and patience required, but the immeasurable rewards of witnessing a feral cat's leap of faith into family life.  Caitlin's stories of hissing, defensive ferals evolving into loving lap cats under her watch are nothing short of miraculous, reminding us all that every creature deserves a second chance at happiness. This episode also sheds light on the finer points of kitten care and the importance of advocacy within the cat community.  Listen in and get a taste of practical advice for building trust with feral cats, the benefits of fear-free techniques, and the invaluable local resources supporting our mission of cat care. We also share an inside look at the 2024 Online Kitten Conference, with its wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities for cat enthusiasts worldwide.  In this episode, you will hear:   Caitlin’s inspiring journey from cat lover to advocate for feral cat socialization   The process of turning hissing ferals into affectionate lap cats   Learn about the meticulous steps from containment to trust-building and adoption   Exploring kitten care and the importance of advocacy within the feline community   A sneak peek into the 2024 Online Kitten Conference with its valuable resources for cat enthusiasts   Cat ownership in Vermont   Resources from this Episode From Feral to Family Website - http://fromferaltofamily.org From Feral to Family Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/fromferaltofamilyvt From Feral to Family Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fromferaltofamilyvt/ From Feral to Family YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfq5I8z4hx7RwFUfAYMj1Q This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies560) and Tomahawk Live Trap (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/livetrap). Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

560: Earning Ferals' Faith and Trust, with Caitlin Porter, Executive Director of From Feral to Family

When compassion meets innovation, extraordinary things happen. That's the story we're telling today, with Dr. Kimberly Mann and Steven Martinez, who are changing the lives of thousands of community cats through the York County SPCA spay/neuter clinic. Kimberly, a veterinarian with surgical prowess and a big heart, alongside Steven’s business acumen, has led their clinic to an astounding 11,000 surgeries in a single year. Their shared dedication not only speaks volumes about their love for animals but also sets an inspiring standard in animal welfare.  The complexities of managing feline populations are at the forefront of our discussion, as we tackle the intricacies of trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. Discover how Kimberly and Steven navigate the logistical challenges of caring for community cats while providing insights into the strategic functions of spay and neuter clinics. As we celebrate the astounding success of their clinic, we also gear up for the highly anticipated 2024 Online Kitten Conference, an event that promises to be the cat's meow for enthusiasts everywhere. In this episode, you will hear:   Passionate about community cats   Spay-neuter clinic operations and success   Community cats and strategic communication   Community cat spay-neuter program sustainability   Resources from this Episode York County SPCA Website - http://www.ycspca.org York County SPCA Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/YorkCoSPCA York County SPCA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yorkcountyspca/ York County SPCA Vimeo - https://vimeo.com/ycspca This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies559). Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

559: Dr. Kimberly Mann, Medical Director & Surgeon of the York County SPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic, and Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Anima

Get a glimpse of what it's like on the front lines of feline welfare. Cameron Greig joins us from the Humane Society of Huron Valley to discuss the trials and triumphs of their TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. It's a revealing chat about the ingenuity required to navigate staffing shortages, the shift towards online systems to streamline TNR efforts, and the crucial weekend spay-neuter events that help keep their mission afloat.  Cameron's dedication to the care of community cats shines through as he explains the intricacies of dealing with unsocialized felines and the critical need for TNR-savvy vets in an industry currently facing a crunch for qualified staff. In the heart of our discussion, we confront the hard truths of veterinary staffing woes and their ripple effect on essential services like TNR. The conversation is seasoned with tales of innovation and adaptation, from enticing veterinary clinics with educational "lunch and learns" – to embracing digital tools for managing the TNR workload. We also let you in on some of our personal top-notch baiting tips for successful cat trapping and why appropriate recovery times are important for our feline friends post-neutering. For those compelled to support community cats or who are simply curious about the inner workings of the TNR initiatives at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, this episode is an invaluable trove of knowledge and encouragement. In this episode, you will hear:   The current challenges of the TNR program   TNR’s transition to an online sign-up system   The complexities of working with unsocialized cats   The importance of having veterinarians skilled in TNR   Veterinary staffing challenges and solutions   Resources from this Episode Humane Society of Huron Valley Website - http://hshv.org/tnr Humane Society of Huron Valley Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/humanesocietyhuronvalley Humane Society of Huron Valley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/humanesocietyofhuronvalley/ This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies556) and Tomahawk Live Trap. (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/tomahawk). Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.  

Tracking the Stats for Cats with Stephanie Filer, Executive Director of Shelter Animals Count

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