“There’s so much noise in the world that really holds us back from doing our best work. We should just be kind to each other and work together.”

This episode is sponsored in part by Humane Network, Doobert, and Maddie's Fund.

Dr. Sara Pizano returns to the show (a previous CCP guest on episodes 56, 171, 246, 247, 306, and 335) to provide updates on her work, including her involvement with municipal shelters. She recently provided her 117th consult in 22 states. These shelters were able to decrease intake and lower euthanasia rates. Over the period of one year, one particular shelter, Danville-Boyle County Humane Society, was able to decrease its intake from 908 cats to 19.

She stresses the importance of all organizations utilizing the community foundation model to help bridge funding gaps and shares her perspective on addressing veterinary shortages.

Dr. Pizano shares information about Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge, which evolved from the Million Cat Challenge (a campaign that saved over 3.5 million cats). UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program, Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at UF, Open Door Veterinary Collective, and Team Shelter USA came together to found this initiative, which provides consultative mentoring services at no cost.

Dr. Pizano also discusses Human Animal Support Services, which is a movement to transform animal services through innovative programs and services built to support people and pets within their communities.

Listener Notes

Dr. Pizano’s book, The Best Practice Playbook for Animal Shelters, can be found on Amazon.

During her interview, Dr. Pizano mentions these organizations:

•     Best Friends
•     Learniverse
•     Open Door Veterinary Collective
•     Team Shelter USA
•     The Joanie Bernard Foundation
•     Woodstock Animal Foundation

If you enjoyed this episode, hear more from Dr. Pizano on episode 171.