United We Spay

In this special episode of United We Spay, the mic flips as longtime host Stacy LeBaron takes the guest seat for the first time. Interviewed by United Spay Alliance's Administrative Director Brianna Lovell Myers, Stacy reflects on her 30+ years in animal welfare, her unexpected entry into the world of trap-neuter-return (TNR), and the pivotal moments that shaped her mission to prevent animal suffering through spay/neuter advocacy.

Stacy shares the story that sparked her passion for accessible spay/neuter — a heartbreaking encounter with dozens of suffering kittens in a New Hampshire dumpster — and how that moment led to decades of impactful work, including founding the Community Cats Podcast, launching multiple mobile clinics, and helping over 320 grassroots organizations through grant programs.

From developing innovative tools like the Community Cat Calculator to opening affordable care clinics that reject economic euthanasia, Stacy breaks down the strategies she believes are essential to building sustainable solutions in a post-pandemic world.

This heartfelt and practical conversation covers burnout, mentorship, incremental veterinary care, and the value of strategic collaboration. Whether you're new to animal advocacy or a seasoned TNR veteran, Stacy's insights offer both inspiration and actionable guidance to create change in your own community.

In this episode you will hear:

• The origin story behind Stacy's spay/neuter activism

• How to build local veterinary capacity without burning out

• Sustainable models for low-cost clinics that really work

• The importance of collaboration over competition in rescue work

• A vision for a more humane world for all community cats

• United Spay Alliance

• Community Cats Podcast

• Community Cat Calculator Tool

• Contact Stacy: [email protected]

In this episode of United We Spay, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Cheri Storms, Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana and Chair of the United Spay Alliance Vet Shortage Task Force. With a statewide view of spay/neuter services and firsthand experience navigating the challenges of veterinary access, Cheri brings clarity and urgency to a national crisis: the veterinary shortage threatening spay/neuter capacity across the U.S.

Cheri shares how the vet shortage—once a simmering concern—boiled over post-pandemic, leaving shelters, rescues, and pet owners scrambling. She explains how task force initiatives like high-quality, high-volume "wet labs" are training veterinarians in the field, and highlights mobile units, voucher systems, and mega clinics as creative workarounds to increase access in "vet deserts."

Listeners will hear how states like Colorado and New Hampshire are pioneering mid-level practitioner roles and licensing foreign-trained vets—changes that could reshape the profession and expand public health services for animals. Cheri also addresses funding gaps, the vital role of spay/neuter financial assistance programs, and how communities can support more surgeries, more quickly.

If you care about animal welfare, public health, or the future of veterinary medicine, this episode provides a clear-eyed look at where we're heading—and what we must do to fix it.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The surprising truth about new vet school grads and their surgical skills

• How wet labs and mid-level practitioners could help solve the vet crisis

• Real talk: Why voucher programs work—and why they're underfunded

• What's working in Indiana: mobile units, mega clinics & community buy-in

• How states are stepping in with innovative laws to address the shortage

• Why early spay/neuter (Feline Fix by Five) still matters more than ever

Resources from this Episode

• Pet Friendly Services of Indiana

• United Spay Alliance – Feline Fix by Five

• Public Vet

• Vet Shortage Task Force

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On today's episode of United We Spay, join Stacy LeBaron as she welcomes Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, the passionate founder of the Rascal Unit, a mobile veterinary clinic making waves in Ohio.

Dr. G shares her mission to tackle animal overpopulation through accessible and affordable spay-neuter services. Stacy and Dr. G's conversation reveals the hurdles pet owners face, from financial struggles to a need for more education, unveiling the moral challenges that come with pet care decisions. This episode paints a portrait of empathy and collaboration, urging the animal welfare community to eliminate judgment and focus on collective progress.

Hear the inspiring story of how the Rascal Unit operates in Ohio's veterinary deserts, partnering with local humane organizations to bridge gaps in animal care. Stacy and Dr. G explore the clinic's innovative approach, which doesn't just stop at providing services but extends to educating and mentoring new veterinary graduates. The episode highlights the crucial role of high-volume spay-neuter techniques and demonstrates how a mobile clinic can provide efficient, top-notch care.

Stacy and Dr. G invite you to see the transformative power of community-driven solutions in animal welfare through this insightful discussion.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Introduction to Dr. Michelle Gonzalez and the Rascal Unit's mission for affordable spay-neuter services
• The barriers to accessing veterinary care, including financial constraints and lack of education
• The concept of moral distress in pet care and the need for compassion and collaboration
• Overview of the Rascal Unit's operations in Ohio's veterinary deserts and partnerships with local humane organizations
• Insight into the mentorship program aimed at reigniting interest in surgery among new veterinary graduates
• High-quality, high-volume spay-neuter techniques and their benefits for patient care
• Community-driven approaches and the transformative impact of mobile veterinary solutions

Resources from this Episode

Rascal Unit: www.rascalunit.com

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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.

What if there was a way to directly impact animal welfare and environmental sustainability while honoring cultural traditions?

Join us for United We Spay as we uncover the inspiring path of Patricia "Pat" Chan, a trailblazer in animal welfare and the first female division chief for the Panama Canal Commission. Through her vision, Spay Panama has become a beacon of hope, providing spay-neuter services to over 350,000 animals, including those in the unique cultural landscape of the Guna community in Guna Yala. Explore the profound impact of these programs on managing animal populations in the face of climate change, as well as the vital collaboration with the Guna people that makes it all possible.

This conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of Spay Panama, showcasing the heartwarming dedication of its long-term staff and volunteers. From overcoming language barriers to ensuring no animal is turned away, the clinic's inclusive approach fosters community involvement and global partnerships.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Pat Chan's transition from financial planner to animal welfare advocate and founder of Spay Panama
• Impact of spay-neuter initiatives in controlling animal populations, with over 350,000 procedures completed
• Collaboration with the Guna community to address animal welfare amidst environmental challenges
• Involvement of young volunteers and dedication of long-term staff in spay-neuter campaigns
• Expansion of veterinary services to include larger and exotic animals, like monkeys
• Overcoming obstacles such as language barriers and funding challenges to ensure inclusive animal care
• The role of animal welfare in supporting sustainable community practices in the face of climate change

Resources from this Episode

Spay Panama: spaypanama.org

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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.

Imagine having the power to transform entire communities by addressing a single, crucial issue: pet overpopulation.

Join us for this episode of United We Spay as we unfold the inspiring journey of Jennifer Raymond, whose unwavering passion for animal welfare has led to significant changes in Humboldt County and beyond. From her college days promoting animal birth control to founding the Humboldt Spay-Neuter Network, Jennifer's initiative has been pivotal in reducing euthanasia rates through affordable spay-neuter clinics. Her story is a powerful testament to how accessible and high-volume spay-neuter programs can revolutionize animal welfare, particularly in rural areas where resources are often scarce.

Explore the unique hurdles and inventive solutions that Jennifer and her team have navigated in delivering veterinary care to remote communities. Discover how mobile clinics and creative strategies, like using generators during power outages, have enabled consistent service in challenging environments. Through community collaboration and adaptable models, Jennifer demonstrates the transformative impact of spay-neuter initiatives in reducing shelter intakes and promoting the adoption of unadoptable animals.

This episode serves as a beacon of hope for animal welfare advocates, showcasing how dedication and innovation can provide every animal with a chance for a better life.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Jennifer Raymond's journey in establishing affordable spay-neuter clinics in rural communities
• Impact of spay-neuter initiatives on reducing euthanasia rates and pet overpopulation
• Challenges and solutions for providing veterinary care in rural areas, including mobile clinics and community collaboration
• Jennifer's experience in founding the Humboldt Spay-Neuter Network and opening multiple clinics
• Innovative strategies to address logistical barriers, such as using motor home generators during power outages
• The role of community collaboration and prevention in improving animal welfare
• Various models of spay-neuter service delivery tailored to different community needs

Resources from this Episode

United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org

Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

Humboldt Humane Society: www.humboldtcritterswithoutlitters.com

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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.

Could the key to solving New York City's animal overpopulation crisis be more accessible than we think?

Join us for this episode of United We Spay as we unravel the transformative journey of Will Zweigart, the driving force behind Flatbush Cats and Flatbush Vet. Once an advertising executive, Will discovered that adoption and rescue efforts alone were insufficient to address the city's crowded shelters. Through our conversation, you'll uncover how his nonprofit veterinary clinic, established in 2023, aims to systematically "turn off the sink" of animal overpopulation by making spay-neuter services more affordable and accessible. We tackle the tough questions about why past initiatives fell short and how new approaches can create sustainable solutions for animal welfare.

The discussion takes a serious look at the resource challenges facing animal welfare organizations, particularly the dire need for increased funding and support for spay-neuter clinics. With an estimated demand of 200,000 affordable appointments annually, our current resources are woefully inadequate. We explore the crucial roles that large organizations and municipal funding must play in addressing this shortfall, while also highlighting recent progress, such as a city council oversight hearing that marks a promising step forward.

As we chart a path toward building sustainable veterinary solutions, the conversation emphasizes collaboration, a clear mission, and the transition from focusing solely on procedures to offering comprehensive care. This shift helps prevent animal surrenders and also ensures the long-term welfare of pets and their families.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Will Zweigart's transformation from advertising executive to animal welfare advocate
• Urgent need for affordable spay-neuter services to combat animal overpopulation in NYC
• Resource challenges in providing spay-neuter services, including funding and clinic capacity issues
• Role of municipal funding and large organizations in addressing animal welfare crises
• Sustainable solutions for pet care beyond immediate procedures, focusing on long-term welfare
• The broader impact of accessible veterinary care in preventing animal surrenders
• Building a successful, replicable model for veterinary clinics and community engagement

Resources from this Episode

United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org

Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

Flatbush Cats: flatbushcats.org

Follow and Review:

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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.

On this episode of United We Spay, Lisa Milot, a distinguished professor of Canine Welfare Law at the University of Georgia, shares her transformative journey from an animal rescue volunteer to a nonprofit founder focused on strategic spay-neuter programs. Her passion for systemic change in animal welfare underscores the episode as she recounts her "aha moment" that shifted her focus toward addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation. Stacy and Lisa explore how collaboration with animal control and community engagement can significantly enhance spay-neuter efforts, dramatically increasing altered animals and reducing the surplus of pets without homes.

Their conversation takes a deep dive into the innovative strategies being deployed to make spay-neuter services more accessible and effective. From pop-up vet care clinics to data-driven approaches, Lisa discusses how these initiatives build community trust and showcase the power of familiar, private practice veterinarians. Furthermore, we delve into the importance of collaboration across veterinary practices, supported by the United Spay Alliance, to improve surgical techniques and offer affordable services. Lisa's insights reveal the necessity of continuous education for veterinarians and the role of incremental care in addressing community-specific needs.

Stacy and Lisa also tackle the broader legal and systemic challenges in animal welfare, such as evolving perspectives on pets in divorce agreements and the pressing crisis of pet overproduction in Georgia. Lisa highlights how local reforms can inspire broader changes, illustrating this with successful community efforts in Athens. This engaging discussion encourages listeners to contribute to systemic change and collaborate across fields to create a compassionate world for animals.

Whether you're an animal welfare advocate or new to the cause, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to support a brighter future for our furry friends.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Lisa Milot's journey from animal rescue volunteer to nonprofit founder focused on strategic spay-neuter programs
• Importance of collaboration with animal control and community engagement to enhance spay-neuter efforts
• Innovative strategies like pop-up vet care clinics and data-driven approaches for accessible and effective services
• Role of United Spay Alliance in supporting continuing education and advanced surgical techniques for veterinarians
• Legal and systemic challenges in animal welfare, including perspectives on pets in divorce agreements and pet overproduction in Georgia
• Successful community efforts in Athens as a model for broader changes in animal welfare
• Emphasis on collaboration across fields to create a compassionate world for animals

Resources from this Episode

United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org

Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

Lisa Milot, J.D.: www.law.uga.edu/profile/lisa-milot

Athenspets: www.athenspets.net

Follow and Review:

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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.

Dawn Wilkinson, the dynamic executive director of the Humane Society in South Carolina, joins us on this episode of United We Spay to share her inspiring journey from accounting and healthcare to animal welfare advocacy. Her leadership has been pivotal in transforming the organization by reducing costs and expanding programs to perform thousands of spay-neuter surgeries annually. Dawn's passion for ending animal cruelty and overpopulation shines as she discusses the importance of making these services accessible to more communities.

We explore the financial strategies that are driving nonprofits toward greater efficiency and sustainability. Organizations can fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities while expanding their reach by treating nonprofit budgets like a business. Learn insightful techniques, such as optimizing salary expenses and leveraging inventory management, that have been game-changers for the Humane Society. The episode highlights how platforms like VetCve, along with strategic negotiations with suppliers, are helping to reduce expenses and improve services.

Dawn also highlights the global impact of spay-neuter initiatives and their role in public health. With resources like UnitedSpayAlliance.org, we emphasize the importance of spreading awareness and education on this critical issue. As we continue to build a compassionate world for animals, we invite listeners to engage with our mission by sharing these insights, subscribing to future episodes, and reaching out for more information.

Join us in this ongoing conversation about making a difference one spay-neuter surgery at a time.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dawn Wilkinson's transition from finance to leading the Humane Society in South Carolina
• Strategies for nonprofit efficiency, focusing on budget management and cost reduction.
• Spay-neuter initiatives in combating animal overpopulation and promoting public health
• Innovative financial strategies, including inventory management and supplier negotiations
• Utilization of technology to enhance communication and streamline operations within nonprofits
• Spreading awareness and education about accessible spay-neuter services
• Techniques for maximizing fundraising and sustaining nonprofit operations

Resources from this Episode

United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org

Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

Humane Society of South Carolina: www.humanesc.org

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.

On this episode of United We Spay, join us for an enlightening conversation with JJ Hendrickson, former Chief Animal Control Officer at the Kenai Animal Shelter in Alaska, as she shares her insights into the world of spay-neuter programs and their crucial role in animal welfare.

JJ recounts her journey from implementing a voucher system to adopting a more direct approach to fixing animals before adoption. This shift significantly curbed the number of animals returning with litters despite the obstacles posed by Alaska's unique environment and limited veterinary resources. Her experiences offer a compelling narrative on the impact of the pandemic and the ongoing challenges of veterinarian shortages, underscoring the need for continued advocacy in this vital area.

The discussion moves to the heart of Alaska, where spay-neuter initiatives' logistical and financial hurdles take center stage. JJ draws a vivid comparison between the large-scale operations in Ohio and the scarcity of resources in Alaska's remote areas. The high costs, legal constraints, and weather challenges paint a picture of the complexities rural animal control officers face. At the same time, Anchorage stands out as a beacon of hope with its central veterinary services. This contrast highlights the varied focuses and capabilities across the state, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies to effectively manage community cats and support these efforts.

We also explore the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by animal control officers. JJ stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to prevent compassion fatigue and ensure continued effectiveness in their crucial roles. The conversation underscores the necessity of spaying and neutering in managing animal populations, touching on global outreach strategies prioritizing community support and personal safety.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Challenges and solutions for spay-neuter programs in Alaska, with insights from JJ Hendrickson
• Comparison of large-scale operations in Ohio versus limited resources in rural Alaska
• Impact of the pandemic on spay-neuter services and veterinarian shortages
• Strategies for managing community cats and resource allocation in remote areas
• Mental health and compassion fatigue among animal control officers
• Importance of tailored spay-neuter strategies and global outreach efforts
• The role of Anchorage as a central hub for veterinary services in Alaska

Resources from this Episode

United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org

Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

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.

On this episode of United We Spay, Stacy welcomes Brianna Lovell Myers, the Administrative Director of the United Spay Alliance. Brianna shares her compelling journey and deep passion for promoting accessible spay-neuter services.

Growing up in a low-income household, Brianna witnessed firsthand the challenges of managing cat overpopulation without affordable spay-neuter options. These personal experiences have fueled her commitment to finding better solutions for animal welfare. We explore the various initiatives she leads, such as the Wet Lab Program, which provides crucial hands-on training for veterinarians in high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter techniques.

Stacy and Brianna explore the intricacies of the Wet Lab Program, a hands-on veterinary training initiative focused on enhancing spay-neuter skills. The program is designed to address the shortage of available appointments and skilled surgeons by providing veterinarians from diverse backgrounds, including those in private practices, with the opportunity to learn and perform surgeries in a supportive environment. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the confidence boost and skill enhancement it provides. The program is a collaborative effort, and we invite more veterinarians to get involved and enhance their surgical capabilities.

We also discuss the logistical and supportive aspects of running a successful high-volume spay-neuter clinic. Each element is vital, from coordinating with shelters and rescues to ensure a steady flow of animals to setting up clinic spaces and securing financial and organizational support. We underscore the importance of experienced veterinary technicians and the financial assistance available, such as continuing education credits. Furthermore, we explore the United Spay Alliance's mission to expand spay-neuter access and support across states, emphasizing collaborative efforts, a comprehensive directory of resources, and innovative programs like the vet shortage task force.

Join us as we highlight the vital importance of prevention in animal welfare and share upcoming events designed to engage and educate.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Brianna Lovell Myers's journey and dedication to making spay-neuter services more accessible, particularly in low-income communities
• Overview of the Wet Lab Program, providing hands-on training for veterinarians to perform high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter surgeries
• Insights into the logistical challenges of running a high-volume spay-neuter clinic and the importance of strategic planning and support networks
• The collaborative efforts of the United Spay Alliance to expand spay-neuter services and address veterinary care shortages
• Positive feedback from veterinarians participating in the Wet Lab sessions and the confidence boost it provides
• The comprehensive directory and support programs like the Vet Shortage Task Force and Feline Fix by Five initiative
• Upcoming events, webinars, and online conferences aimed at engaging and empowering animal welfare advocates

Resources from this Episode

• United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org
• Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org

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.