017: On the Frontlines: Managing Shelter Operations and Ensuring Spay/Neuter in Alaska with JJ Hendrickson
United We Spay
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...
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016: Advancing Spay/Neuter: Inside United Spay Alliance's High-Quality, High-Volume Wet Labs with Brianna Lovell Myers
United We Spay
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...
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015: Advancing Veterinary Skills in Mexico: The Challenges of Specialization and Continuing Education with Blayra Maldonado Cabrera
United We Spay
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...
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014: Policy and Progress: Expanding Spay/Neuter Access Through Legislative Advocacy with Loren Breen
United We Spay
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,...
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013: Ohio Animal Advocates' Journey with Vicki Deisner & Dan Spehar
United We Spay
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...
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012: A Conversation with Dr. Jeff Young, Pioneer in High-Volume, High-Quality Spay/Neuter
United We Spay
Is there a humane way to tackle the daunting issue of animal overpopulation? On this episode of United We Spay, renowned veterinarian Dr. Jeff Young believes there is and is on a mission to prove it. Dr. Young reveals how his experiences in vet school ignited a lifelong commitment to high-volume, low-cost spay-neuter services, leading to the creation of Planned Pethood Plus and its international arm. His inspiring journey is filled with pivotal moments that underscore the transformative power of early-age neutering and mobile vet services. Discover how his dedication has not only trained...
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011: Empowering Communities: The Long Island Cat Project with Dr. Gay Senk
United We Spay
Affordable spay-neuter services are the unsung heroes in the battle against feline overpopulation. On this episode of United We Spay, Stacy welcomes Dr. Gay Senk, a feral cat surgeon from the Farmingdale Dog and Cat Clinic, who shares her extraordinary journey from equine practice to becoming a fervent advocate for spay-neuter initiatives. Dr. Senk recounts her awakening to the feral cat crisis, her self-driven education through scientific research and TNR resources, and her impactful work with Last Hope Inc. She delves into founding the Long Island Cat Project and promoting TNR...
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010: Recruiting and Retention: The Twin Challenges of the Veterinary Profession with Stacy Pursell
United We Spay
Unlock the secrets to overcoming the veterinary workforce shortage with insights from Stacy’s expert guest, Stacy Pursell, founder and CEO of the Vet Recruiter. In this episode of United We Spay, we address the growing demand for veterinarians and the factors contributing to stress and burnout among current staff. Stacy shares her wealth of knowledge on the strategic, talent-centric solutions needed to secure the future of veterinary care. Discover innovative strategies employers are using to attract and retain veterinarians, especially in underserved areas. From student loan repayment...
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009: Empowering Veterinarians: Mastering High-Quality Spay Neuter Procedures with Dr. Becky Morrow
United We Spay
What if the key to transforming animal welfare was hidden in the precision and efficiency of high-volume spay-neuter services? On this episode of United We Spay, Stacy sits down with Dr. Becky Morrow, a shelter veterinarian, and professor, who shares her incredible journey from aspiring wildlife vet to founding Frankie's Friends Cat Rescue. Dr. Morrow opens up about her motivations and the hurdles she overcame in setting up a clinic dedicated to rescuing cats from cruelty cases. She passionately discusses how targeted trap-neuter-return programs save lives and significantly improve community...
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008: Unleashing Change: A Dialogue on Neuter Before Adoption (NBA) with Leading Advocates
United We Spay
On this episode of United We Spay, learn how spay-neuter services are transforming animal welfare and reducing shelter overpopulation with our expert panel. Hear from Peter Marsh, who provides historical insights into effective sterilization laws from California and New Hampshire, and learn from Dr. Jeffrey Young and Dr. Phil Bushby about their extensive experience in spay-neuter programs and veterinary training. Learn the importance of spaying and neutering animals before adoption and how these initiatives are essential in preventing an influx of homeless animals in shelters. We also...
info_outlineIn 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
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Episode Credits:
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