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. 3 days ago

    How West Virginia Built a Spay/Neuter Program That Works with Steve Tennant

    Steve Tennant has spent more than 25 years advocating for animals in West Virginia — work that eventually led him to the board of the Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia (FOHO WV), which has been fighting for a statewide spay/neuter program since its founding in 1993. Getting there required years of grassroots lobbying at the state legislature, navigating unfunded laws, and waiting for the right political moment. That moment came in 2017, when a new agriculture commissioner read FOHO's white paper and went to bat for the program. The West Virginia Spay and Neuter Assistance Program officially launched in 2018 at $450,000 — half of what was needed, but enough to start — funded entirely by a surcharge on pet food manufacturer fees, not taxpayer dollars. Seven years in, the results are undeniable. More than 85,000 animals have been spayed or neutered, shelter intake numbers are declining statewide, and an anonymous private donor contributed over $4 million to bring the program to full funding. A 2027 sunset provision was successfully removed this past legislative session. With 85+ organizations applying for grants across all 55 counties and seven spay/neuter clinics operating statewide, West Virginia has become a national model — proof that persistence, smart funding, and the right allies can turn decades of advocacy into a program that delivers real results. In this episode you will hear: The story of Steve's 2007 weekly rescue drives to a central West Virginia gas chamber shelter — and how that experience set the course for everything that followed How the fight to ban gas chambers and the fight for a statewide spay/neuter program ran in parallel, and why winning one cleared the path for the other The founding of FOHO WV in 1993 and the original vision that took nearly three decades to fully realize What grassroots lobbying actually looks like: years of legislative visits until the statehouse staff knows you by name and knows why you're there How the right agriculture commissioner in 2017 changed everything — and why white papers and relationships matter in policy advocacy The pet food manufacturer surcharge funding model: how West Virginia built a program that costs the average taxpayer nothing A breakdown of how the voucher program works: grantee organizations, grant cycles, direct payment to vets and spay/neuter clinics from the Department of Agriculture 85,000+ animals served in seven years, with declining statewide shelter intake numbers as proof the program is working The fight to remove the 2027 sunset provision, and why long-term program security matters as much as annual funding How an anonymous $4+ million private donation doubled the program budget — and demonstrated that proven results attract private investment Rural access realities in West Virginia: seven clinics dispersed statewide, volunteer drivers making two- and three-hour trips, and a shortage of vets that advocates are navigating with dedication Why cats dominate the numbers in West Virginia's program — and how TNR practitioners are taking advantage of the voucher system West Virginia's pre-adoption spay/neuter requirement and how it complements the voucher program to close population gaps Whether a model like this can scale to larger states — and Steve's direct, optimistic answer How to connect with FOHO WV and the West Virginia Spay and Neuter Assistance Program if you want to replicate or adapt this model in your own state Resources from this episode: Federation of Humane Organizations of West Virginia (FOHO WV) West Virginia Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (WVSNP) — WV Department of Agriculture Supporters of FOHO WV on Facebook

    23 min

  2. 4 Jun

    Taking the Clinic to the Community with Dr. Sara White

    In 1998, Sara White graduated from North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine and went to work in a New Hampshire animal shelter. What she saw there — feral cats at a local Catholic shrine, accidental litters flooding shelters, communities with no access to affordable spay/neuter — convinced her that something had to change. With mentorship from Dr. Leslie Appel of Shelter Outreach Services and a grant from the ASPCA, she launched Spay ASAP in 2006: a nonprofit MASH-style mobile clinic that loads surgical equipment into a car and brings the OR to wherever the community needs it. Since then, she's spayed or neutered over 73,000 animals across Vermont and New Hampshire, operating out of church basements, apartment community rooms, and animal shelter grooming spaces alike. The efficiency of the MASH model isn't accidental — it's structural. By focusing exclusively on spay/neuter, keeping overhead minimal, and delegating scheduling and volunteer coordination to host organizations, Dr. White charges prices that general practices simply can't match. She also addresses the broader veterinary landscape: consolidation, COVID-era retirements, and a growing shortage of vets willing to serve underserved communities — and makes the case that high-volume, community-access care and high-touch general practice aren't in competition; both are essential. Dr. White and Stacy also dig into the science around spay/neuter timing — pushing back on the trend of delaying procedures in large-breed dogs and making a clear case for prepubertal spay/neuter in cats, including surgeries on kittens as young as six weeks. It's a stance that aligns fully with United Spay Alliance's Feline Fix by Five program. And for anyone thinking about launching a spay/neuter program of their own, Dr. White's closing message is simple: don't wait for perfect. Start doing the good. In this episode you will hear: How the MASH clinic model works — and what makes it so cost-effective compared to brick-and-mortar spay/neuter clinics What state practice acts mean for mobile clinic operations, and why it's the first thing to research before launching How Dr. White structures pricing to serve low-income communities without relying on fundraising The shifting veterinary landscape: consolidation, vet shortages, and the case for community-access care Why the research on delaying spay/neuter in dogs is less settled than widely assumed — and what that means for families Dr. White's approach to pediatric spay/neuter in kittens, including the case for operating at six weeks Why Feline Fix by Five matters — and how it aligns with the science on early feline spay/neuter A powerful takeaway for aspiring clinic founders: start doing the good before you've built the perfect Resources from this episode: ergovet.com — Dr. Sara White's website covering ergonomics, her MASH clinic model, and links to her research Spay ASAP Inc. — Dr. White's nonprofit MASH-style mobile spay/neuter clinic serving Vermont and New Hampshire Feline Fix by Five — United Spay Alliance's campaign advocating for spay/neuter before five months of age United Spay Alliance — learn more and find resources at unitedspayalliance.org Contact United Spay Alliance: info@unitedspayalliance.org

    31 min

  3. 7 May

    Beyond the Boundaries: The Inspiring Story of Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet with Melinda Grohol

    What does it take to go beyond what's prescribed, to follow a calling, and to tell a story that simply won't let you go? In this episode, Stacy LeBaron speaks with Melinda Grohol, a longtime freelance writer whose passion for people and animals led her to write the official biography of Dr. Jeff Young — the beloved veterinarian known to millions as Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet on Animal Planet. Melinda's connection to spay/neuter runs deep. Growing up in a time when pet reproduction was simply left to nature, she witnessed firsthand the consequences of unchecked overpopulation. That early awareness, deepened by friendships with shelter workers and encounters with advocates like Esther Mechler and Dr. Jeff himself, solidified her belief that spay/neuter is the most powerful tool available for preventing animal suffering. The book, Beyond the Boundaries: The Life and Times of Dr. Jeff, the Rocky Mountain Vet, traces Dr. Jeff's remarkable journey — from his pivotal early decision never to euthanize healthy animals, to his work training veterinarians both in the U.S. and around the world, to the personal challenges that have shaped his life and career. Melinda shares the stories that moved her most, including the chapter featuring letters from former students Dr. Jeff trained, the forward written by United Spay Alliance founder Esther Mechler, and memorable tales of Fred the clinic dog — a golden retriever Dr. Jeff rescued and who now tends to recovering patients in the clinic. Melinda herself is a bookseller at Barnes & Noble with a long career writing about people and causes that make a difference. She describes feeling genuinely compelled to tell Dr. Jeff's story — certain that if she didn't, she would regret it for the rest of her life. In this episode you will hear: How Melinda came to write Dr. Jeff's biography — and why she felt she had no choice but to tell his story The defining moment that shaped Dr. Jeff's lifelong commitment to spay/neuter: being asked to euthanize 56 healthy puppies early in his career How Dr. Jeff built his practice around a non-negotiable rule — every pet that comes in must be spayed or neutered What makes Dr. Jeff such an effective teacher of new veterinarians and how he mentors them through hands-on, side-by-side instruction Stories of Dr. Jeff's work with exotic and unexpected animals — including spaying a jaguar and neutering a camel in rural Colorado The heartwarming story of Fred, the golden retriever Dr. Jeff rescued and who now serves as an unofficial clinic comforter for post-surgery animals The power of trust, collaboration, and handshake agreements in Dr. Jeff's approach to veterinary work around the world Why Melinda believes Dr. Jeff is a role model not just for aspiring vets, but for anyone who wants to rethink how we care for our animals Resources from this episode: Beyond the Boundaries: The Life and Times of Dr. Jeff, the Rocky Mountain Vet by Melinda Grohol — available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet — Animal Planet series featuring Dr. Jeff Young United Spay Alliance: unitedspayalliance.org Esther Mechler, President & Founder, United Spay Alliance — unitedspayalliance.org/about/board

    25 min

  4. 2 Apr

    Fix the Future with Cathy Bissell

    What does it take to disrupt the cycle of pet overpopulation in America—fast? In this replay from the United Spay Alliance Conference, Cathy Bissell of the Bissell Pet Foundation shares how a bold, scalable idea became one of the nation's fastest-growing spay/neuter initiatives. "Fix the Future" wasn't born from a long-term strategic plan—it emerged from urgency, collaboration, and a willingness to say yes to a challenge. What started with a single call to action in Puerto Rico quickly evolved into a national model connecting relief veterinarians with shelters and communities in need. The result? Hundreds of thousands of pets receiving critical care—including spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and microchips—often in places where access was previously nonexistent. In this episode, Cathy breaks down how the program works, from matchmaking veterinarians with host organizations to maintaining high-volume, high-quality standards. She also shares the realities behind the scenes—funding pressures, community resistance, workforce challenges—and the lessons learned while scaling at record speed. This conversation goes beyond logistics. It's a call to action for shelters, veterinarians, and advocates alike to rethink accessibility, affordability, and collaboration in animal welfare. Because as Cathy emphasizes, without spay/neuter, the system can't keep up. If you're looking for innovative solutions, real-world impact, and inspiration to take action in your own community—this episode delivers. In this episode you will hear: How "Fix the Future" scaled from one project to 250,000+ pets served A practical, replicable model for high-volume spay/neuter programs The role of relief veterinarians in expanding access to care Real barriers communities face—and how to overcome them Why affordability (not just availability) is key to impact Lessons from launching clinics in both rural and urban areas Funding realities and how to build sustainable programs The power of collaboration between shelters, vets, and nonprofits Resources from this episode: United Spay Alliance: https://unitedspayalliance.org Bissell Pet Foundation: https://www.bissellpetfoundation.org Fix the Future Program Inquiry: kim.alboum@bissell.com The Sato Project (Puerto Rico partner): https://thesatoproject.org

    41 min

  5. 5 Mar

    028: Fix Before You Feed with Julie Jacobson

    In this episode of United We Spay, host Stacy LeBaron talks with Julie Jacobson, founder of Spay Tennessee and a longtime advocate for prevention-focused animal welfare. Julie shares how her journey began in a small Tennessee county with no veterinarian, no shelter, and no animal control—and how that experience led her to shift from rescue work to a strategy centered on spay and neuter. Over time, Julie helped dramatically reduce the number of unwanted litters in her community and expanded her work statewide, building a network that connects spay-neuter clinics, assistance programs, and funding opportunities across Tennessee. She explains why fixing owned pets—and ideally every pet in a household—is one of the most effective ways to reduce overpopulation, and how many impactful programs can be coordinated from a desk through smart partnerships, grant writing, and community outreach. Julie also discusses the challenges facing spay-neuter efforts today, including veterinary shortages, shifting funding priorities, and the importance of sustainable programs. Her practical insights offer a roadmap for communities looking to create lasting change through prevention.   In this episode you will hear: Why prevention—not rescue—is the real long-term solution to pet overpopulation The surprising power of fixing all pets in a household instead of just one How Julie helped reduce puppy litters in her community from 100 per year to just a handful Practical steps to start a spay-neuter assistance program in your county Grant-writing tips that dramatically increase funding success Why many effective spay-neuter programs can be run from a desk instead of the road The growing impact of veterinary shortages on spay-neuter access Smart strategies for sustainable funding, estate gifts, and donor awareness Why transport programs should include spay-neuter accountability for source communities Resources from this episode: Spay Tennessee – https://spaytennessee.org Spay Tennessee Facebook – https://facebook.com/spaytennessee United Spay Alliance – https://unitedspayalliance.org Contact Julie Jacobson – spayzilla@yahoo.com

    29 min

  6. 5 Feb

    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

  7. 1 Jan

    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

  8. 04/12/2025

    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
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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
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    United We Spay

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