Could the key to transforming animal welfare lie within the simple act of spaying and neutering our pets earlier?

On this episode of United We Spay, we sit down with Esther Mechler and Dr. Phil Bushby, two trailblazers in the fight against pet overpopulation, to unravel the effectiveness of spay and neuter programs and how they align with animal care ethics. Esther, the founding force behind Spay USA and United Spay Alliance, shares her passionate journey towards advocating for the Feline Fix by Five initiative. Dr. Bushby, with decades of veterinary experience, reveals the harsh realities of shelter euthanasia rates he saw in the '70s and champions spaying and neutering as the ethical response to this persistent issue.

In a heart-to-heart that's both enlightening and inspiring, we reflect on the successes of early spay and neuter campaigns, such as the Feline Fix by Five movement, and discuss the landmark meeting of veterinary minds in Orlando in 2016. This gathering marked a turning point, leading to a shift in the recommended age for these vital procedures. We also explore the tangible benefits of the Feline Fix by Five initiative, investigating the welfare improvements and the economic and time-saving advantages for veterinary practices. Esther and Dr. Bushby's dedication to these initiatives is palpable, and their stories are a powerful call to action for all of us to contribute to a future where every pet is wanted, loved, and cared for.

Join the conversation and hear how united efforts can forge a more compassionate world for our four-legged companions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Esther Mechler's path from Spay USA to United Spay Alliance
• Esther's commitment to the Feline Fix by Five initiative for reducing shelter overpopulation
• Dr. Phil Bushby's experience at ASPCA in the '70s with high euthanasia rates
• The need for early spay and neuter as an ethical solution to pet overpopulation
• A recap of the landmark Orlando meeting in 2016, where veterinary leaders considered changing the recommended age for spay and neuter procedures to five months
• Celebrating the Feline Fix by Five campaign's success with unanimous endorsement by National Veterinary Associations
• The Feline Fix by Five initiative's benefits, including time efficiency for veterinary practices and economic advantages
• The critical role of early spay and neuter interventions in preventing unwanted feline populations and reducing shelter euthanasia
• Why veterinarians and clinics should consider joining the Feline Fix by Five program to help ensure every pet has the opportunity for a loving home

Resources from this Episode:

• Feline Fix by Five - www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five
• Sign up to include your veterinary practice on our list of Feline Fix by Five Participating Veterinarians - https://www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five/get-involved/veterinarian-sign-up/

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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.

Are you ready to become a part of something bigger?

On this episode of United We Spay, join us as Stacy explores spay/neuter initiatives in Panama with guest Patricia Chan. From a pioneering woman in the Panama Canal Commission to becoming an advocate for animal welfare, Patricia's story is inspirational. Hear the story behind Spay Panama, a groundbreaking organization that has spayed or neutered over 320,000 animals, and learn how education plays a significant role in shifting public attitudes toward animal welfare.

We also traverse the intricate logistics of massive spay/neuter events, taking you behind the scenes of Spay Panama's upcoming event, aiming to spay and neuter 700 animals in two days. Imagine a 32-year-old bus serving as a mobile clinic, community involvement at the heart of the initiative, and the unique challenge of a country without animal control.

Become part of our journey as we unravel the inspiring, complex, and gratifying world of animal welfare in Panama.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Patrician Chan's background as the first woman division chief for the Panama Canal Commission
• Her advocacy for spay/neuter initiatives in Panama and co-founding Spay Panama
• The challenges Patricia faced and the growth of Spay Panama
• The importance of education in changing attitudes toward animals
• Spay Panama's upcoming event and their goal to neuter and spay 700 animals over two days using a converted bus as a mobile clinic
• Community involvement in spay/neuter initiatives and Panama's unique lack of animal control, resulting in reliance on volunteers
• Insight into the operations of Spay Panama, their funding struggles, and how they handle various challenges, including dealing with feral cats and dogs
• Spay Panama's efforts to maintain self-sustainability, asking for donations or contributions in kind for their services, and the role of volunteers
• Advice for those interested in starting spay/neuter initiatives

Resources from this Episode:

• Spay/Neuter Spotlight: Spay Panama: unitedspayalliance.org/spay/neuter-spotlight-spay-panama
• Feline Fix by Five program: www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five

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.

In this inaugural episode of United We Spay, host Stacy LeBaron takes us on a journey with Esther Mechler, the founder of United Spay Alliance.

Stacy and Esther delve into the ongoing issue of animal overpopulation and the importance of affordable spay/neuter services in preventing the needless suffering of animals. From the harsh conditions of a rundown shelter to establishing a renowned referral program with 8,000 vets nationwide, Esther's story is an extraordinary tale of compassion and commitment.

You'll also hear Stacy and Esther discuss the "Feline Fix by Five" campaign, a pioneering initiative that advocates for spaying and neutering cats by five months old. Listen in as they discuss the role of public health officials in addressing cat overpopulation and the critical need for community involvement.

This is a conversation where you can learn how each one of us can make an impact in tackling animal overpopulation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• United Spay Alliance founder Esther Mechler's experience working in a rundown shelter to establishing a referral program involving 8,000 vets nationwide
• Her goal of addressing animal overpopulation and promoting affordable spay/neuter services
• The success of the "Feline Fix by Five" campaign, an initiative advocating for cats to be spayed and neutered by five months old
• The role of public health officials in tackling cat overpopulation
• The importance of community involvement in promoting spay/neuter services
• How the concept of "Feline Fix by Five" month can significantly reduce the number of homeless cats
• How spaying and neutering can be a form of public health for pets
• Esther's personal experiences that ignited her passion for animal welfare
• Being proactive in addressing animal overpopulation, the urgency of the issue, and various ways people can make a difference

Resources from this Episode:

• Feline Fix by Five program: www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five
• United Spay Alliance website: www.unitedspayalliance.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.

Welcome to United We Spay - the show dedicated to promoting affordable spay/neuter services across the USA and beyond. In each episode, we delve into the heart of a movement that's changing the lives of animals and communities for the better. Our mission is clear: build awareness, educate, and empower.

In this podcast, we'll explore the inspiring stories and voices that drive the spay/neuter movement, all while keeping our eyes on the bigger picture. Hosted by Stacy LeBaron, our team at United Spay Alliance is here to make a difference by tackling the root causes of overpopulation, ensuring that every animal has the chance for a better life. Join us as we embark on a journey to address the problems and pain points faced by grassroots rescue and shelter workers, and the general public.

We'll answer the three most common questions we receive, discuss the challenges of finding low-cost spay/neuter services, and explore strategies for recruiting more veterinarians to support these crucial efforts.

What truly irks us is when the animal welfare space fixates on the symptoms of overpopulation, rather than focusing on prevention through spay/neuter. We believe it's time to change the conversation.

Moreover, it breaks our hearts to witness the animal welfare landscape taking steps backward, reverting to a time before the spay/neuter movement's progress.

We're committed to ensuring that history does not repeat itself. The problem we aim to solve is clear: there are too few people with access to affordable spay/neuter services, leading to unwanted litters, overcrowded shelters, and other avoidable consequences. Our podcast seeks to be a platform for solutions, education, and empowerment.

We're honored to serve our best stakeholders, the dedicated individuals actively involved in grassroots rescue and shelter work. We understand that the general public often remains unaware of the scale and impact of the current veterinary shortage, as well as the challenges in finding affordable spay/neuter services. We're here to bridge that knowledge gap.

So, join us on United We Spay where we're all about making a difference, spreading knowledge, and building a stronger, more compassionate world for animals. Together, we can put prevention at the forefront and shine a spotlight on the importance of spay/neuter in the animal welfare space.