by Stacy LeBaron
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.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
11/20/2023
Email Addresses
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Phone Numbers
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April 3, 2025
<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>In this episode, you will hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Challenges and solutions for spay-neuter programs in Alaska, with insights from JJ Hendrickson</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Comparison of large-scale operations in Ohio versus limited resources in rural Alaska</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Impact of the pandemic on spay-neuter services and veterinarian shortages</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Strategies for managing community cats and resource allocation in remote areas</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Mental health and compassion fatigue among animal control officers</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Importance of tailored spay-neuter strategies and global outreach efforts</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The role of Anchorage as a central hub for veterinary services in Alaska</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Resources from this Episode</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">United Spay Alliance: <a href= "http://unitedspayalliance.org/">unitedspayalliance.org</a></p> <p dir="ltr">Feline Fix by Five: <a href= "http://felinefixbyfive.org/">felinefixbyfive.org</a></p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Follow and Review:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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 <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/united-we-spay/id1717423221"> Apple Podcasts</a>. 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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Credits</strong></p> <p>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 <a href= "https://emeraldcitypro.com/">https://emeraldcitypro.com</a> Let them know we sent you.</p>
March 6, 2025
<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">Join us as we highlight the vital importance of prevention in animal welfare and share upcoming events designed to engage and educate.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>In this episode, you will hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Brianna Lovell Myers’s journey and dedication to making spay-neuter services more accessible, particularly in low-income communities</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Overview of the Wet Lab Program, providing hands-on training for veterinarians to perform high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter surgeries</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Insights into the logistical challenges of running a high-volume spay-neuter clinic and the importance of strategic planning and support networks</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The collaborative efforts of the United Spay Alliance to expand spay-neuter services and address veterinary care shortages</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Positive feedback from veterinarians participating in the Wet Lab sessions and the confidence boost it provides</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The comprehensive directory and support programs like the Vet Shortage Task Force and Feline Fix by Five initiative</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Upcoming events, webinars, and online conferences aimed at engaging and empowering animal welfare advocates</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Resources from this Episode</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">United Spay Alliance: <a href= "http://unitedspayalliance.org/">unitedspayalliance.org</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Feline Fix by Five: <a href= "http://felinefixbyfive.org/">felinefixbyfive.org</a></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Follow and Review:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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 <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/united-we-spay/id1717423221"> Apple Podcasts</a>. 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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Credits</strong></p> <p>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 <a href= "https://emeraldcitypro.com/">https://emeraldcitypro.com</a> Let them know we sent you.</p>
February 6, 2025
<p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>In this episode, you will hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dr. Blayra Maldonado Cabrera's journey and commitment to global spay-neuter initiatives</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The role of education in controlling animal populations and improving public health</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Involvement of veterinary students in community-based campaigns for hands-on learning</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Collaborative efforts and partnerships in promoting One Health across various fields</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The impact of Spay Mexico in training and empowering local vets with essential surgical skills</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">The importance of affordable spay-neuter services and community outreach</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Encouragement for global collaboration and contributions to animal welfare initiatives</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Resources from this Episode</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">United Spay Alliance: <a href= "http://unitedspayalliance.org/">unitedspayalliance.org</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Feline Fix by Five: <a href= "http://felinefixbyfive.org/">felinefixbyfive.org</a></li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">University of Sonora: <a href= "https://www.unison.mx/">https://www.unison.mx/</a></li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Follow and Review:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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 <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/united-we-spay/id1717423221"> Apple Podcasts</a>. 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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Credits</strong></p> <p>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 <a href= "https://emeraldcitypro.com/">https://emeraldcitypro.com</a> Let them know we sent you.</p>
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