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

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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

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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.

On this episode of United We Spay, Dr. Blayra Maldonado Cabrera, a dedicated veterinarian from Mexico, shares her life-changing experiences in the spay-neuter services world.

Dr. Maldonado’s commitment to animal welfare blossomed through her work with a non-profit in Hermosillo and as a professor at the University of the Valley of Mexico. Her story powerfully demonstrates the impact of education and action in controlling canine and feline populations and improving public health. She illuminates the importance of these initiatives in creating healthier communities and invites listeners to join a compassionate movement to make a global impact on animal welfare.

Explore the collaborative efforts driving the success of community-based spay-neuter campaigns. We highlight the educational benefits for veterinary students, the invaluable support from institutions such as the Animal Control Institute, and the growing trend of affordable surgeries offered by private practice vets. Dr. Maldonado discusses the role of organizations like Spay Mexico in training local vets and spreading essential skills across borders.

This episode underscores the importance of uniting diverse fields to enhance health outcomes for both animals and people by fostering partnerships and embracing a One Health approach.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Blayra Maldonado Cabrera's journey and commitment to global spay-neuter initiatives
• The role of education in controlling animal populations and improving public health
• Involvement of veterinary students in community-based campaigns for hands-on learning
• Collaborative efforts and partnerships in promoting One Health across various fields
• The impact of Spay Mexico in training and empowering local vets with essential surgical skills
• The importance of affordable spay-neuter services and community outreach
• Encouragement for global collaboration and contributions to animal welfare initiatives

Resources from this Episode

• United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org
• Feline Fix by Five: felinefixbyfive.org
• University of Sonora: https://www.unison.mx/

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, Loren Breen, the Director of Policy, Research, and Government Affairs at the Animal Policy Group, joins Stacy to unpack the significant rise in spay-neuter legislative activity—from a mere 100 bills in 2017 to over 2300 in recent years.

We navigate the landscape of spay-neuter laws, exploring prohibitive bills and creative tax initiatives like California's tax designation for euthanasia prevention and Louisiana's innovative pet stamp program. Despite many bills facing obstacles, Loren shares strategic approaches to propel these initiatives forward, including the critical role of veterinarians and collaboration with state associations.

Addressing the pressing veterinary staffing shortage, we examine legislative responses reshaping the roles of veterinary technicians and mid-level professionals. California's pioneering bill allowing registered veterinary technicians to conduct neuter surgeries under supervision might set a precedent nationwide, while telemedicine is gaining traction in states like Florida, potentially easing staffing woes. We also widen our gaze to global spay-neuter advocacy efforts, encouraging our listeners to engage with resources offered by the United Spay Alliance.

Stay informed each month as we share meaningful conversations to advance animal welfare globally.

In this episode, you will hear:

• A surge in spay-neuter legislation, from 100 bills in 2017 to over 2300 recently
• California's euthanasia prevention tax and Louisiana's pet stamp program
• Veterinary staffing shortage solutions, including expanded roles for vet techs and telemedicine innovations
• California's bill for RVTs to perform neuter surgeries under supervision
• Efforts by United Spay Alliance and resources for engagement
• Importance of collaboration and veterinarians and state associations in legislative advocacy
• Mid-level professional roles and veterinary loan repayment discussions

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.

What if a simple procedure could transform your community's future of animal welfare?

On this episode of United We Spay, Vicki Deisner from Ohio Animal Advocates and community cat management expert Dan Spehar address this question through the lens of affordable spay-neuter services. Their conversation with Stacy underscores these initiatives' critical role in managing overpopulation and fostering collaboration between citizens and local governments. Dan offers compelling insights into the humane effectiveness of trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, highlighting the Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats as a successful model for stakeholder empowerment and local action.

Explore the robust and impactful efforts of Ohio Animal Advocates in partnership with the United Spay Alliance as Vicki sheds light on the challenges and solutions in statewide animal welfare. From the complexities of reporting animal cruelty to the vital need for accessible spay-neuter services for larger breeds, the conversation examines real-world solutions, like Cheri Storms' program in Indiana and the AlterClinic led by Laura Groves in Ohio. These initiatives exemplify successful tri-state collaboration and expansion of veterinary capacity across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky during challenging times.

Hear stories of community empowerment and creative problem-solving, showcasing how individuals driven by passion can make a significant impact, even without prior experience or a substantial budget. Highlighting projects like Sunday spay-neuter clinics in Massachusetts and Riggi Rescue's efforts in New London, Ohio, we discuss practical strategies and resources available for those eager to start similar initiatives.

With tools like the Ohio Spay-Neuter Connection page, community members are equipped to manage local cat populations sustainably and compassionately, demonstrating that change is possible with the right approach and resources.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploration of affordable spay-neuter services' role in tackling animal overpopulation, with insights from Vicki Deisner and Dan Spehar
• The humane trap-neuter-return (TNR) method for managing community cats and its importance
• Ohio Animal Advocates' partnership with the United States Alliance and their statewide initiatives during the pandemic
• Success stories from for-profit spay-neuter clinics and community events showcasing innovative solutions for rural areas
• The Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats and its impact on local animal welfare efforts
• Collaborative efforts across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, focusing on expanding veterinary capacity and community partnerships
• Case studies of successful community cat management programs, including Riggi Rescue and AlterClinic's mass trapping events

Resources from this Episode

Feline Fix by Five: 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.