United We Spay

Stacy LeBaron
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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.

  1. FEB 5

    Scaling Spay Neuter Through Strategy, Data, and Humor with Deborah Cribbs

    What happens when a financial professional is entrusted with a transformative philanthropic gift for cats? In this episode of United We Spay, Stacy LeBaron sits down with Deborah Cribbs, founder of the Give Them Ten Movement, to explore how a banker's mindset reshaped feline welfare in Cincinnati and beyond. Deborah shares how disciplined stewardship, business strategy, and unapologetically bold messaging turned a local foundation into a national force for cats. From launching community cat programs to leveraging data and market research, she explains why spay neuter is not just compassionate. It is the most practical, scalable solution to feline overpopulation. In this episode you will hear: • How a fiduciary approach transformed charitable giving into measurable impact • Why collaboration, not competition, is essential for sustainable shelter systems • What functional community cat programs actually require to succeed • The power of branding, humor, and visual storytelling in shifting public behavior • Why "Fix by Five" is a critical messaging tool for modern feline welfare • How donor-advised funds and community foundations can unlock local funding • Why specialization may be the smartest move for smaller organizations • Early insights into Give Them Ten's new research on the emotional drivers behind spay neuter decisions Deborah makes a compelling case that data and compassion are not opposites. They are partners. Her bottom line is simple. If every person who sees a cat takes responsibility to ensure that cat is fixed, the entire landscape changes. Resources from this episode: Website: www.GiveThemTen.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuteredscooter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/givethemten/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/give-them-ten TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@neuteredscooter Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/neuteredscooter/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@neuteredscooter BlueSky: @neuteredscooter.bsky.social

    37 min

  2. JAN 1

    026: Full Circle TNR: Building Sustainable, Community-Led Cat Care with Adelle Louise

    In this powerful episode of United We Spay, host Stacy LeBaron talks with Adelle Louise—Trap-Neuter-Return specialist, feral cat advocate, and Director of @travelanimalrescue—about what it truly means to build a sustainable, community-led cat care program. After launching her work in the Global South, Adelle recognized that meaningful impact required more than good intentions: it demanded equipment, training, and—most of all—collaboration. Her journey has since led her to co-create programs across six countries and 13 cities, helping sterilize over 1,500 cats. Adelle introduces listeners to the philosophy of "full circle TNR," a method that ensures every cat in a colony—from dominant toms to young kittens—receives care. Alongside veterinary access challenges and emotional fatigue, she explores the importance of local empowerment and strategic targeting to break the cycle of suffering. Plus, don't miss her story about a sardine-covered kitten, a game-changing government partner, and a courtyard filled with compassion. In this episode you will hear: What "full circle TNR" really means and why it matters The limitations of DIY and pest-control traps in international rescue Why empowering local partners builds lasting change How to prevent burnout with strategic, boundary-driven rescue The role of municipal partnerships in scaling TNVR Insights from Adelle's podcast Saving the Streets   Resources from this episode: travelanimalrescue.org Instagram: @travelanimalrescue Linktree for Travel Animal Rescue Saaving the Streets Podcast on Pet Life Radio TikTok: @travelanimalrescueglobal Neighborhood Cats Resources

    31 min

  3. 2025-12-04

    025: Behind the Mic with Stacy LeBaron on Cats, Clinics, and Burnout

    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 Resources from this episode: United Spay Alliance Community Cats Podcast Community Cat Calculator Tool Contact Stacy: stacy@unitedspayalliance.org

    39 min

  4. 2025-11-06

    024: Confronting the Vet Shortage with Cheri Storms

    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 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.

    25 min
  5. 023: Revolutionizing Veterinary Care: Dr. Michelle Gonzalez and the Rascal Unit

    2025-10-02

    023: Revolutionizing Veterinary Care: Dr. Michelle Gonzalez and the Rascal Unit

    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 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.

    30 min
  6. 022: Helping Animals that Confront Crisis due to Climate Change with Pat Chan

    2025-09-04

    022: Helping Animals that Confront Crisis due to Climate Change with Pat Chan

    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 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.

    23 min
  7. 021: Spay/Neuter Success: How Humboldt County Ended Shelter Euthanasia with Jennifer Raymond

    2025-08-07

    021: Spay/Neuter Success: How Humboldt County Ended Shelter Euthanasia with Jennifer Raymond

    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 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.

    29 min
  8. 020: Building Solutions: Tackling NYC's Overpopulation Crisis with Flatbush Vet with Will Zweigart

    2025-07-03

    020: Building Solutions: Tackling NYC's Overpopulation Crisis with Flatbush Vet with Will Zweigart

    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: 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.

    30 min
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Trailer

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Stacy LeBaron
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    United We Spay