Don't Call Me Catty

Jillian Carr and Leilani Saad
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Don’t Call Me Catty is the unapologetic, plain-talking podcast for veterinary professionals who want real conversations, not sugarcoating. Hosted by Jillian Carr, a veterinary financial strategist, and Leilani Saad, co-founder and CEO of a 24/7 veterinary teletriage company, the show dives into the messy, meaningful parts of vet med: burnout, boundaries, big decisions, money moves, and midnight emergencies. The podcast began as a pop-up at a veterinary trade show, where unscripted, in-the-moment conversations with the community struck a chord and sparked something bigger. Today, it continues to grow into a movement connecting vet med professionals and their clients through honesty, humor, and the courage to say the quiet parts out loud. Whether you’re leading a practice, on the clinic floor, or you just love animals, this is your space for truth, tools, and the occasional F-bomb.

  1. Shannon Gervais, RVT | Redefining the RVT Career Path

    5D AGO

    Shannon Gervais, RVT | Redefining the RVT Career Path

    This episode is sponsored by Solvet Canada: https://solvet.ca/ We sit down with the one and only Shannon Gervais, RVT, at CanWest in Banff for a conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, networking, and the future of veterinary medicine. Shannon shares her journey from RVT to a career that spans clinical practice, pharmaceutical sales, leadership, consulting, and founding multiple ventures in the veterinary space. We talk about what it really takes to grow beyond the traditional RVT role, why networking matters more than ever, and how the profession can better support RVTs who are ready to spread their wings. We also dive into Shannon’s vision for Nova Vet, a tech-forward, client-centered practice model designed to elevate RVTs, improve team culture, and create a better experience for both pets and the people who care for them. Along the way, this episode touches on mentorship, authenticity, customer service, confidence, communication, and the power of finding the right people. This is a great listen for RVTs, aspiring leaders, and anyone in vet med who has ever wondered what else might be possible. About Shannon Shannon Gervais, RVT is a veterinary industry trailblazer, entrepreneur, and innovator with over 25 years of experience in companion animal medicine. She currently serves as the National Companion Animal Business Unit Director at Solvet, where she leads the national strategy for the company’s companion animal division, focusing on veterinary pharmaceuticals, product development, and strategic partnerships across Canada.  Shannon is also the Founder and Co-Owner of Nova Vet, a modern veterinary hospital in Calgary, Alberta, designed to deliver curated veterinary care through innovation, technology, and strong collaboration between Registered Veterinary Technologists and veterinarians.  Originally trained as an RVT, Shannon has built a career bridging clinical practice, business strategy, and industry partnerships. She is passionate about advancing the veterinary profession through thoughtful innovation, operational excellence, and initiatives that support both veterinary teams and the pets they care for. Connect with Shannon LinkedIn Nova Vet Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    45 min

  2. MAR 4

    Kamryn Shaughnessy-Gervais | Grit, Rodeo, and Regenerative Medicine

    This episode is sponsored by Solvet Canada. https://solvet.ca/ Recorded live at CanWest 2025 in Banff, we sat down with Kamryn Shaughnessy-Gervais: Inside Sales Rep at AniCell Biotech, animal-health industry “legacy kid,” and competitive barrel racer with serious grit. Kamryn grew up in veterinary medicine (trade shows, clinics, and all), then moved from Canada to Texas to compete and study at Texas Tech University, completing a BSc in Animal Science and a Master’s in Veterinary Science. She opens up about what it felt like to be the only Canadian on the rodeo team (yes, they literally called her “Canada”), crossing the border during COVID, and why mentorship — from family to industry leaders — was everything when she wasn’t sure she belonged. We also talk about her path through Merck Animal Health (strategic accounts on the cattle side) and how that experience led her to AniCell Biotech, where she’s helping bring regenerative solutions into the animal health space. Kamryn explains regenerative technology in plain language, including how amnion-based products can support soft tissue repair and function. In this episode: - Growing up in vet med & trade show culture - Rodeo life, barrel racing, and the “heart horse” Switch - Moving to Texas as a Canadian (and the border paperwork reality) - Merck Animal Health internship on the cattle side - What AniCell Biotech does (regenerative tech, explained simply) - Grit, resilience, mentors, and asking for help If you’re early in your career, this episode is a great reminder that doubt doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. It means you care. Feeling unsure is normal. The key is to keep going, keep learning, and keep asking for help when you need it. Because you can go a long way in this industry when you don’t quit on yourself. Learn More/Contact Kamryn: https://anicellbiotech.com/ LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    33 min
  3. Dr. Candace Stuart, DVM | Two Clinics. One Territory. Thousands of Patients: Life as a Yukon Veterinarian

    FEB 25

    Dr. Candace Stuart, DVM | Two Clinics. One Territory. Thousands of Patients: Life as a Yukon Veterinarian

    We sit down with Dr. Candace Stuart, a veterinarian practicing in Whitehorse, Yukon, at one of only two veterinary clinics serving the entire territory. Dr. Stuart shares what it truly means to practice medicine in Canada’s North, where referral centers can be 10–14 hours away, emergency care is covered in-house, and veterinarians must rely heavily on teamwork, adaptability, and trust. From performing complex surgeries without immediate backup to supporting clients who may need to fly or drive for hours just to access care, this conversation sheds light on a side of veterinary medicine few people ever see. We explore: The realities of providing care in remote and underserved communitiesHow limited access shapes clinical decision-making and emotional loadThe critical role RVTs play in sustaining rural and northern practicesWhy expanding how we utilize veterinary technicians matters during a veterinary staffing crisisBurnout, on-call fatigue, and unique solutions for on-call supportDr. Stuart also shares a powerful case that has stayed with her for years: one that highlights not only clinical skill, but the profound impact of collaboration, trust, and perseverance in veterinary teams. This episode is a reminder that while veterinary medicine doesn’t always end in wins, and even when the outcome feels out of reach, the odds are never truly zero. About Dr. Candace Stuart:  Dr. Candace Stuart grew up under the Northern Lights of Labrador. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian from watching the first episode of Danger Bay, and from helping with vet checks at the Labrador 400 dog sled race as a high school student. Dr. Candace graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College on Prince Edward Island in 2000. After 8 years of washing the red sand of PEI out of everything she made a bee-line to the snowy north. After spending the next few years working in Alaska and northern BC, an opening in Whitehorse came up in February 2004 and Dr. Candace has called Whitehorse ‘home’ ever since. The variety of cases in general practice North of 60 is what Dr. Candace loves the most about her clinic. She has treated an array of birds to woolly Yaks and everything in between. Her passion in private practice is helping to strengthen and protect the animal/human bond and she loves watching families grow together with their pets. When not at the clinic Dr. Candace explores the Yukon wilderness with her 2-legged and 4-legged family members. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    27 min
  4. Shea Lee, RVT (ABVTA) | Challenging RVT Misconceptions & Advocating for Forgotten Animals

    FEB 19

    Shea Lee, RVT (ABVTA) | Challenging RVT Misconceptions & Advocating for Forgotten Animals

    Registered Veterinary Technologists are the backbone of veterinary medicine. But so many people (including pet owners) don’t fully understand what RVTs do, what they’re trained for, or how much they carry. In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Shea Lee, RVT, President (Vice-President at the time of recording) of the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA), to talk about the real work happening behind the scenes. We focus especially on shelter medicine, where patients often arrive with no owner, no history, and no one to advocate for them. We get into: How Shea found her way from NAIT’s VMA program into RVT life (and why shelter medicine became her calling)Why the “pound” stereotype is outdated and what shelter medicine actually looks likeMicrochips, identification, and hold periods ABVTA’s current priorities: member engagement, wage insights, governance focus, and sustainable fundingThe big conversation: scope of practice, confidence, delegation, and what “top of license” really meansBurnout, boundaries, and Shea’s honest take on mental health leave and building longevity in vet medPlus: we end with Shea’s walk-in song, funeral song, and win song—because of course we do. Learn more about ABVTA: https://www.abvta.com/ Questions for the ABVTA team? info@abvta.com About Shea Lee, RVT: Shea Lee graduated from the NAIT VMA program in 2013 and the NAIT AHT program in 2015. Since graduation, she has worked full time in shelter medicine while maintaining a part-time position in small animal practice. Shea is passionate about advocating for homeless and neglected animals and takes a special interest in creating fear free environments for them. When not working one of her various jobs, she spends time fostering for local rescue groups and volunteering on the ABVTA Board of Directors. She and her husband share their home with an Australian Cattle Dog named Riggins, a Domestic Short Hair cat named Dill. Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    25 min
  5. Ashley Nicholls (Reach Ag) | Sticks, Coyotes, and the Human Side of Agriculture

    FEB 13

    Ashley Nicholls (Reach Ag) | Sticks, Coyotes, and the Human Side of Agriculture

    Leilani and Jillian sit down with Ashley Nicholls of Reach Ag for a wide-ranging conversation that blends leadership, culture, and real-world agriculture experience with plenty of laughs along the way. Ashley shares his journey from Australia to Canada, including stories from Australian cowboy culture and what it was like entering the agriculture industry later in life. Together, they explore the unique challenges that arise when business, family, and tradition intersect: a reality familiar to anyone working alongside farm families and multi-generational operations. The conversation digs into generational differences across Millennial, Gen-Z, and senior team members, how tools like the DiSC personality framework can improve communication, and why prioritizing people and culture isn’t “soft” work; it’s foundational to sustainable ag operations. These themes will resonate deeply with veterinary professionals who navigate complex relationships with producers, staff, and families while balancing care, business pressures, and expectations in the field. And because agriculture doesn’t stop after hours, Ashley also shares a memorable midnight story involving a heifer with a uterine prolapse, coyotes, and a couple of sticks... a moment that perfectly captures the unpredictability, responsibility, and grit that large-animal vets know all too well. This episode is a thoughtful, funny, and relatable look at the human side of agriculture, and why strong communication and culture matter just as much as technical expertise. About Ashley: Originally from a small farming community in New South Wales, Australia, Ashley Nicholls now resides in Foothills County, Alberta. Although not raised in an agricultural family, Ashley had the opportunity to work alongside several mixed farming operations, sparking a deep appreciation for the industry.  As the founder of REACH Agriculture Strategies, Ashley is a passionate advocate for Canadian agriculture. He is dedicated to strengthening workplace cultures, improving staff retention and enhancing hiring practices across the sector. Through a progressive approach to leadership and a focus on effective communication, REACH delivers customized programs that help producers not only get boots on the ground but keep them there - ensuring the long-term sustainability of operations and the industry as a whole.  In 2026, Ashley was named as a Contemporary Nuffield Scholar, through this project he will be traveling the globe uncovering the unique methods that businesses use to influence the attraction, retention and effectiveness of their employees. REACH Agriculture Strategies: https://reachag.ca/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    51 min
  6. Dr. Phil Buote, DVM | Fear, Facts, and Fairness: How Veterinary Complaints Are Really Handled

    FEB 5

    Dr. Phil Buote, DVM | Fear, Facts, and Fairness: How Veterinary Complaints Are Really Handled

    Complaints are one of the most anxiety-provoking experiences in veterinary medicine. However, they don’t have to be a mystery, and they don’t have to define you. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Phil Buote, DVM, Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director at the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA), for an open, human conversation about what really happens when a complaint is filed. Phil walks us through the complaints process from start to finish, sharing why most complaints are dismissed, how peer review actually works, and why the regulator’s role is not about punishment, but rather professionalism, fairness, and learning. Drawing on his own years in clinical practice, Phil explains how empathy, clear communication, and perspective guide his approach when calling colleagues on what may be one of the hardest days of their careers. This episode is for veterinarians and veterinary professionals who want clarity instead of fear, facts instead of assumptions, and reassurance that being human in medicine does not mean you’ve failed. If complaints have ever kept you up at night, or you just want to better understand the system that governs our profession, this conversation is worth your time. About Dr. Phil Buote Dr. Phil Buote is the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association Deputy Registrar and Complaints Director. He grew up in rural Prince Edward Island, completed an undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Prince Edward Island and graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 1995. Phil completed a rotating internship in large animal medicine and surgery at Washington State University in 1996. Dr. Buote began clinical practice in Alberta as a rural mixed animal practitioner in the Peace River region. He did two years of mainly beef cow-calf practice before moving to Sherwood Park where he joined a practice limited to horses. Three years into equine practice he found himself wanting to return to mixed practice and explore practice ownership. He moved to Cochrane where he eventually purchased the Cochrane Animal Clinic, which he owned and operated from 2002 through 2010. Dr. Buote was a member of the ABVMA Food Animal Committee from 2002 through 2004 when he was elected as a member of Council. Following his term on Council he was appointed to the Complaint Review Committee and took on the role of Chair in 2010. Looking for a change of career, and given his satisfaction with his volunteer work with the ABVMA, he applied for the position of Complaints Director and joined the ABVMA staff in July of 2010, and added the role of Deputy Registrar in 2013. He has been in both roles since then. Phil lives in Parkland county with his wife Carmen and their two boys Ethan and Nolan and cats Simon and Ceasar. He likes to stay active and his spare time is mostly spent outdoors fishing and in the mountains. Get in Touch ABMVA phil.buote@abvma.ca Dr. Buote Direct Phone: 780-784- 5223 Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    32 min
  7. Thierry (Jerry) Locati, RVT | Talking to Pet Owners Is His Full-Time Job

    FEB 4

    Thierry (Jerry) Locati, RVT | Talking to Pet Owners Is His Full-Time Job

    We sit down with Jerry Locati, an RVT whose full-time job is talking to pet owners when they’re worried, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next. Jerry shares his path into veterinary medicine, what led him to become an RVT, and who he is outside of the profession (including his life as a bass guitarist while off the clock). We talk about his role at Animal HealthLink, where he’s often the voice on the phone when a pet owner is facing a potential crisis and needs calm, experienced guidance. The conversation explores what it’s really like to specialize in communication as a clinical skill, while supporting pet owners across a wide variety of cases, many far outside his own geographic region. Jerry reflects on the rewards of being an RVT, the cases that stick with him long after the call ends, and why he’s become known for his steady, reassuring presence in high-stress moments. We also pull back the curtain on how Animal HealthLink calls typically unfold: what happens behind the scenes, how decisions are made, and what most people never get to see about this kind of work. This episode is about the power of calm, the weight of responsibility, and what it means to care for animals by caring for the people who love them, one conversation at a time. About Jerry Thierry graduated the Olds College AHT program with honours in 1997. He began his career at The Calgary North Emergency Hospital in the summer of 1997 in the emergency department. In 2002 Thierry started in the Internal Medicine department until September of 2008. In 2008 Thierry played an instrumental role in helping to setup the first Antech Laboratory Stat Lab in western Canada located in the Care centre building in Calgary Alberta. Thierry worked at Antech Laboratories as a lab tech and supervisor until his departure in the fall of 2015, when he moved to Vancouver Island.  Since then he has worked in practice at local ER's and primary care veterinary clinics on the south Island. He began working for AHL as a triage operator in September of 2023. Thierry has a dog, Lola and a cat, Stella. Thierry's special interests are lab work, internal medicine and triage. Learn More about Animal HealthLink: ahl.vet Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    34 min
  8. Dr. Jeannet Kessels | The Facebook Post That Sparked a Global Climate Movement in Vet Med

    JAN 21

    Dr. Jeannet Kessels | The Facebook Post That Sparked a Global Climate Movement in Vet Med

    In this episode of Don’t Call Me Catty, we sit down with Dr. Jeannet Kessels, DVM, founder of Vets For Climate Action, to trace how one moment of concern turned into a worldwide effort to unite veterinary voices for the planet. From the frontlines of climate-driven animal welfare crises to conversations with veterinary organizations across continents, Dr. Kessels shares what it takes to build momentum in a profession rooted in science, trust, and community connection. We talk about why veterinarians may be some of the most powerful and credible messengers in the climate conversation, how grassroots advocacy becomes global leadership, and what the emerging World Veterinary Environmental Alliance could mean for the future of animal health, public trust, and building the guardrails to ensure we’re not just responding to climate-driven crises, but helping prevent them.  This is a conversation about courage, credibility, and what happens when care for patients expands into care for the world they live in. Tune in for a grounded, honest look at how veterinary medicine is stepping into a much bigger role and why it matters now more than ever. About Dr. Jeannet: Dr Jeannet Kessels established her tiny veterinary practice when her children were small, which grew into the multi-site Greater Springfield Vets, known for its strong culture and values. Her motto ‘Excellence with Heart’ is reflected across both life and work. As a creative entrepreneur, she is driven by kindness and surrounding herself with brilliant minds.  Since Jeannet was 5 years old, the world has lost over 70% of its wildlife. It is time for our profession to powerfully and cohesively respond! Jeannet is single-minded in advocating for animals in the triple planetary crisis. She founded Vets for Climate Action Australia (VfCA), which has now scaled to the innovative and profoundly important World Veterinary Environmental Alliance (WVEA). With a focus on climate, sustainability, and biodiversity, the alliance strengthens and leverages the positive work of like-minded vets and veterinary organisations all around the world.  Jeannet models environmental philanthropy, applying practical steps towards sustainability and emissions reduction across her own veterinary hospitals. Get Involved:  World Veterinary Environmental Alliance WVEA is growing fast; almost every veterinary sustainability and climate organisation globally is now a member, alongside the World Veterinary Association, Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, and numerous national associations. Join here: https://worldvetalliance.org/join/ (UPDATED since time of recording) Email: hello@worldvetalliance.org WVEA is pronounced "Wee-Veee-A"  Vets for Climate Action (Australia) https://www.vfca.org.au/  Veterinary Sustainability Alliance (Canada and USA)  https://www.veterinarysustainabilityalliance.org/ Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    36 min
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About

Don’t Call Me Catty is the unapologetic, plain-talking podcast for veterinary professionals who want real conversations, not sugarcoating. Hosted by Jillian Carr, a veterinary financial strategist, and Leilani Saad, co-founder and CEO of a 24/7 veterinary teletriage company, the show dives into the messy, meaningful parts of vet med: burnout, boundaries, big decisions, money moves, and midnight emergencies. The podcast began as a pop-up at a veterinary trade show, where unscripted, in-the-moment conversations with the community struck a chord and sparked something bigger. Today, it continues to grow into a movement connecting vet med professionals and their clients through honesty, humor, and the courage to say the quiet parts out loud. Whether you’re leading a practice, on the clinic floor, or you just love animals, this is your space for truth, tools, and the occasional F-bomb.

Information

  • Creator
    Jillian Carr and Leilani Saad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Don't Call Me Catty
  • Show Website
    Don't Call Me Catty