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. Dr. Jodi Viste, DVM | 150 Baby Gifts, a Practice Sale, and the "Euthanasia Song"

    4D AGO

    Dr. Jodi Viste, DVM | 150 Baby Gifts, a Practice Sale, and the "Euthanasia Song"

    This week, we’re talking to Dr. Jodi Viste, and asking her how the heck she has 150 friends. She is a rural mixed-animal vet, mother, ABVMA council member, and a passionate community member. We’re diving into the "extraordinary ordinary" life of a small-town vet, including: The realities of the veterinary shortage, The dark humour we use to survive the hardest parts of the job, and Why "burnout is the curse of the strong." We also pull back the curtain on her 2021 sale to VCA, the guilt of the transition, and how she’s still a fixture in her community four years later.  About Dr. Jodi Jodi was a farm girl raised in the city, and it was on the family farm that she developed her love for cattle.  This blossomed into a love of mixed animal practice.  Jodi built her practice in Strathmore, where she has been for the past 23 years.   Jodi is passionate about the role of the veterinarian in the community and finding the “fun” in practice every day. She loves working in a team, fostering community relationships and mentoring our future generation of veterinarians. Above all else, Jodi is blessed to have an amazing and supportive family with her husband Russell and their two kids, Jack and Raelyn (all die-hard flames fans!). Jodi’s dream is to see all veterinarians practice without fear and anxiety and to embrace just how amazing we all are!   Connect https://www.animalcarecentre.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

    41 min
  2. Liz Blake (Pets Plus Us) | The $40,000 Wake-Up Call From a Pet Insurance Insider

    MAR 19

    Liz Blake (Pets Plus Us) | The $40,000 Wake-Up Call From a Pet Insurance Insider

    We sat down with Liz Blake, Sr. Veterinary Sales Representative at Pets Plus Us, for a conversation that starts light but quickly gets real. From Halloween costumes to $10,000 emergencies and life-changing decisions, this episode dives into the reality of pet insurance in vet med. Liz shares her stories from over 25 years in clinic and industry including the moment that changed everything: a six-month-old puppy, two broken legs, and a bill that altered the course of her life. We explore: - Why only ~2.8% of pets in Canada are insured and why that’s a problem - The emotional and financial impact of “economic euthanasia” - How insurance changes decision-making for both pet owners and veterinary teams - Common misconceptions (and why “just saving monthly” often fails) - What clinics and RVTs can do to better educate clients - The role of insurance in enabling gold-standard care and reducing moral stress This episode isn’t about selling insurance. It’s about understanding the gap between the care we want to provide and what’s financially possible, and how we start to close it. About Liz: "My passion for animals has been a lifelong journey, influenced by my animal-loving parents who encouraged my interest in caring for a diverse array of pets throughout my upbringing. My professional path in animal care began during high school when I secured a position at a pet store with a zoo license. This role provided me with invaluable experience working with a range of unique species, including primates, big cats, and exotic animals. Upon graduating high school, I embarked on my first role in a veterinary practice and simultaneously initiated a wildlife rescue operation from my parents' home as well as a pet sitting service for reptiles, birds, and pocket pets. I have dedicated my personal life and career to animal welfare. I’ve worked in a variety of roles in veterinary practices for over 26 years where I specialized in exotics and wildlife. I have been an advocate for pet health insurance after experiencing firsthand how it can help in life-or-death situations when large veterinary bills can affect pet owners’ decisions. I am deeply committed to education, believing that knowledge is crucial for the conservation and well-being of all species. In addition to my professional endeavours, I actively volunteer as a wildlife educator, hand-raise neonatal kittens and foster a variety of species of animals in my home. I am on the BOD for Kali's Wish Foundation as well as the Veterinary Office Assistant Program at Bow Valley College. My personal passion is volunteering to help people with their pets through end-of-life care & decisions. I am honoured to be part of the Pets Plus Us team as a Sr. Veterinary Sales Representative for the past 12 years and am dedicated to continuing my work in animal welfare and education. I am very excited to be on 'Don’t Call Me Catty' Podcast!! Leilani & Jillian are women I highly respect and look up to in an industry I have dedicated my life to. I am so incredibly proud of their accomplishments." Connect with Liz:  liz.blake@petsplu Follow us on Instagram @dontcallmecatty Visit Animal HealthLink Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Visit Steady Gait Planning Instagram For podcast inquiries, please contact dontcallmecatty@gmail.com

    39 min
  3. Shannon Gervais, RVT | Redefining the RVT Career Path

    MAR 11

    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

  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Don't Call Me Catty
  • Show Website
    Don't Call Me Catty

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