Best Pet Foster Program Podcasts (2025)

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The Quiet Power of Listening To Cats and the People Who Love Them, Featuring Stephen Quandt, Founder of Feline Behavior Associates 40:32

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10h ago40:32

40:32

“Outdoor cats don’t have behavior problems—they just have behavior. It’s when we bring them inside that we need to understand how to meet their needs.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this enlightening and heartwarming conversation, feline behaviorist Stephen Quandt joins Stacy LeBaron to explore the intersection of empathy, …

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Rural and Underfunded but Still Making It Work: How to Lead Local Change featuring Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE. 34:09

7d ago34:09

34:09

"Everybody has a role, and if we open up the conversation just a little more, we can help change the numbers—and the lives of these animals." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this powerful and emotionally resonant episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Brandi Winkleman, President and Executive Director of A HOPE Inc., an animal …

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Better Together: TNVR and Public Health Featuring Dr. Bob Weedon, DVM, HQHVSN Veterinary Surgeon 39:38

14d ago39:38

39:38

“Vaccinating community cats creates a barrier to disease between wildlife, domestic animals, and people.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this special webinar replay edition of the Community Cats Podcast, Brianna Lovell Myers of United Spay Alliance is joined by Dr. Bob Weedon, a leading expert in high-volume, high-quality sp…

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Building a TNR Movement, Part 2: The Tactics That Make TNR Stick, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats 49:22

21d ago49:22

49:22

"You're not trying to make the situation perfect. You're just trying to improve it." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Part 2 of "From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement" dives into the operational tactics that sustain and grow a Trap-Neuter-Return program. In this recorded webinar, Bryan Kortis shifts from ea…

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Building a TNR Movement Part 1: The Roots of a TNR Revolution featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats 49:00

28d ago49:00

49:00

"Success attracts donors and grantors, and just provides that foundation for expanding into the wider community." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In Part 1 of this recorded webinar, "From the Backyard to the Front Page: Building a TNR Movement," Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats, presents a compellin…

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In Hot Pursuit: Community Cat Care in Miami, featuring Dr. Mat Toscano, Executive Director and Chief of Surgery at Street Cat Clinic, and Tia Williams, Director of Cat Solutions 305 35:54

1M ago35:54

35:54

"Stop treating cats like dogs—when we see them for who they really are, the right solutions start to emerge." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this dynamic episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron is joined by two passionate advocates making waves in Miami’s cat welfare scene: Tia Williams, Director of Cat Sol…

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Build Better, Fund Smarter Featuring Tim Crum, Fundraising and Operations Consultant 29:34

1M ago29:34

29:34

"Our industry is full of people with big hearts — but running a shelter takes more than heart. It takes structure, strategy, and systems." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Whether you’re running a grassroots cat rescue or leading a multi-million-dollar shelter, the question remains the same: how do we keep the doors open and serv…

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Getting Pets Adopted from Foster Homes 24:50

2M ago24:50

24:50

Foster homes are great for pets, but they’re also a marketing goldmine. Learn about creating a process to market pets in foster homes and get them adopted- right from the couch. PLEASE NOTE: Office Hours have been changed due to the Memorial Day holiday. They will now be Mondays, May 5, 12, 19, and Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12pm PT/3pm ET. GUESTS:…

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How to Find New Fosters in Your Community 32:17

2M ago32:17

32:17

Tired of asking the same people over and over to foster? This episode is all about fresh recruitment ideas and proven ways to bring in new faces from all parts of your community. PLEASE NOTE: Office Hours have been changed due to the Memorial Day holiday. They will now be Mondays, May 5, 12, 19, and Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 3pm ET/12pm PT GUESTS:…

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Fixing Cats, Feeding Communities: How One Woman Sparked a Movement, Featuring Wednesday Hugus, Founder of Wednesday’s Community Cats and Kittens 28:55

2M ago28:55

28:55

“If you can’t fix ’em, don’t feed ’em. You may think you’re being kind, but make sure you do the responsible thing and spay and neuter.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. What started as a COVID-era effort to help feed pets in need has transformed into a full-fledged nonprofit tackling the staggering population of community cats i…

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Make Foster Onboarding Work for You 18:33

2M ago18:33

18:33

Let’s talk about low-barrier foster onboarding! What works, what doesn’t, and how to make it simple enough that people actually sign up and stay involved. PLEASE NOTE: Office Hours have been changed due to the Memorial Day holiday. They will now be Mondays, May 5, 12, 19, and Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 12pm PT/3pm ET. HOSTS: Kristen Hassen, Princip…

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All About the Foster 50 Challenge 17:12

2M ago17:12

17:12

Welcome to the Foster 50 Challenge! Thank you for joining us on this important journey to grow your foster network programming. In our first episode, you’ll hear real talk about what actually works to build a foster program that scales and sustains. We’ll also discuss the important checkpoints of the Foster 50 program to prepare you for grant submi…

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Innovating TNR Support with the Trapper Aid Initiative Featuring Alexa Kyler, Software Developer & Cat Advocate. 29:21

2M ago29:21

29:21

"We all want to help, but without the right tools and resources, TNR can feel impossible. That’s why we need technology to bridge the gaps." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Trapping and caring for community cats comes with numerous logistical challenges—finding vet appointments, securing transportation, and funding medical care.…

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Tackling Global Animal Welfare Challenges Featuring John Peaveler of Humane Innovations, LLC 33:20

2M ago33:20

33:20

"If you’re struggling to catch the last cat in your colony, you just haven’t figured out the right approach yet. Every cat is catchable with the right technique." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. From building Kuwait’s first progressive animal shelter to developing global disaster response programs, John Peaveler has seen it all.…

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Changing Lives for Cats Around the World Featuring Karen Menczer, Founder of Animal Kind International 33:02

2M ago33:02

33:02

"You have to feel good about what you can do, even if you can’t help them all. Every small effort makes a difference.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Karen Menczer, founder of Animal Kind International, an organization that supports animal welfare groups in under-resourced communitie…

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Turning the Tide for TNR: Sioux Falls’ Game-Changing Ordinance, Featuring Mat Tougas, Founder and President of Sioux Empire TNR 25:49

3M ago25:49

25:49

"We want to be the example that proves you should never give up. No matter where you are, if you keep pushing, you can make change happen." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Mat Tougas of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition back for an exciting update on the fight for trap-neuter-return (TNR…

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Managing Cat Populations: A Global Perspective, Featuring Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care 31:38

3M ago31:38

31:38

"Nothing shows the benefits of TNR better than actually doing it. Once communities see the impact, they come on board, and that's when real change happens.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Harry Eckman, Global Advisor for Cat Population Management at International Cat Care, joins host Stacy LeBaron for an insightful discussion o…

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Transforming Animal Welfare Messaging, Featuring Hanna Lentz, the Executive Director of SPARC (Supporting People and Animal Relationships for Change) 32:21

3M ago32:21

32:21

"We know how much the messages and stories we hear impact what we believe to be true. If we change our messaging, we can create real change for animals and communities." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. How can storytelling and messaging shape the future of animal welfare? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy…

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Fixing Feline Futures: Featuring Robin Post, RVT, of Animal Fix Clinic 44:45

3M ago44:45

44:45

"We have to stop the endless cycle. Everyone loves kittens, but the goal should be to make sure they were never born into suffering in the first place." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Robin Post, an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) and …

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Training the Next Generation of Veterinarians in Community Cat Care, Featuring Dr. Nellie Goetz, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine 26:17

4M ago26:17

26:17

"Cats are an incredible way to help new graduates with their surgical training. You never know what you're going to find, and that hands-on experience is invaluable.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. How can we ensure the next generation of veterinarians is equipped to handle the unique challenges of …

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Tag! You’re Home! Simplifying Successful Reunification, Featuring Nina Stively, Director of Loudon County Animal Services, and Dr. Amy Dalrymple, DVM 23:57

4M ago23:57

23:57

"Over 80% of the tagged cats didn’t need to come into the shelter at all. This simple tool is keeping cats in their communities where they belong." – Dr. Amy Dalrymple This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. What if a simple collar could help keep community cats out of shelters and reunite them with their fa…

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Fixing the Future: The Movement to Increase Spay/Neuter Access, Featuring Brianna Lovell Myers, Administrative Director of United Spay Alliance 42:48

4M ago42:48

42:48

“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. For our 600th episode, we’re looking ahead to the future of feline welfare with Briann…

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The Science Behind FIP: Every Cat Health Foundation’s Mission to Save Lives featuring Dr. Maggie Placer, DVM, Veterinary Science Program Manager at Every Cat Health Foundation, and Vicki Fisher, Immediate ... 33:44

4M ago33:44

33:44

“Cats have finally come into their own. For so many years, cats were second-class citizens in veterinary research, but now we’re finding treatments and diagnostics specific to them." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacey LeBaron sits down with Dr. Maggie Placer and …

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Creating Community Connections with TNR Advocacy and Cat-Friendly Business Models, featuring Jenna Carr from Cool Cat Collective and Renae Woith from Tipped Ears. 32:11

4M ago32:11

32:11

“Fixing a colony is more than just spaying and neutering; it’s about creating healthier, happier lives for cats and fostering trust within the community.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and Arm & Hammer Feline Generous. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Jenna Carr of Cool Cat Collective…

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Declawing: The Cruel Practice Hiding in Plain Sight featuring Dr. Jennifer Conrad, Founder, The Paw Project 28:03

5M ago28:03

28:03

“Empathy must guide us—if we truly feel for our feline friends, declawing wouldn’t exist.” Declawing might sound harmless, but what if it’s one of the most misunderstood and harmful practices affecting cats today? In this powerful conversation, Stacy LeBaron chats with Dr. Jennifer Conrad, the trailblazing veterinarian behind The Paw Project, an or…

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The Future of Non-Surgical Sterilization and Its Path to Ending Pet Homelessness, Featuring Gary Evans, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) 30:02

5M ago30:02

30:02

"The fatality rate for kittens is appalling, and the goal is to reduce their suffering while ensuring healthier, happier lives for the cats that remain.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Join us this week for an enlightening conversation as Stacy LeBaron sits down with Gary Evans, the visionary President of the Alliance for Contr…

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Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 2, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats 28:59

5M ago28:59

28:59

"Every challenge in colony care has a solution. Whether it's predators, pests, or even harsh winters, the key is preparation and creativity." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Get ready to take your colony caretaking skills to the next level in part two of our action-packed webinar series! Bryan Kortis tackles the biggest challeng…

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Colony Caretaking Tips & Tricks, Part 1, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats 59:25

5M ago59:25

59:25

"Community cats are creatures of habit. By feeding them on a routine schedule, you're not just meeting their needs—you’re building trust and making caretaking easier for everyone." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. Welcome to part one of our two-part series on colony caretaking, where we uncover the secrets to thriving community c…

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Strategic Planning for Community Cats and Their Caregivers in 2025, Featuring Stacy LeBaron, Founder & Host of The Community Cats Podcast, with Mike Phillips, of Urban Cat League 44:08

6M ago44:08

44:08

"My job is to figure out ways to get cats fixed. It's about strategy, collaboration, and making humane care accessible to every community." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. In this reflective and forward-thinking episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron takes center stage, offering listeners an intimate look at h…

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From Dairy Farms to DIY: A Look Back at 2024 and a Sneak Peek into 2025 with Kristen Petrie, Technical Tabby at The Community Cats Podcast 33:34

6M ago33:34

33:34

"Pick that project you've been dreaming of and dive in—you'll be amazed by what you can accomplish for your community's cats!" This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. This week, we're pulling back the curtain on the Community Cats Podcast with Kristen Petrie, our behind-the-scenes "Technical Tabby." Join host Stacy LeBaron as they dive …

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Piecing Together the Cat Overpopulation Puzzle, with Vicky Halls, Head of Unowned Cats, International Cat Care 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

“Trap-neuter-return is one piece of the puzzle. When it’s part of a strategic cat population management program, TNR becomes a powerful tool for addressing feline overpopulation.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund. How do we piece together the puzzle of cat overpopulation? In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaro…

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How Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Programs Protect Cats and Communities: With Dr. Bob Weedon, HQHVSN & Community Cat Surgeon at Paws Plus Veterinary 35:43

6M ago35:43

35:43

“By creating this barrier to rabies between wildlife, pets, and people, it’s not just about the well-being of the cats—it’s about the well-being of the community.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down wit…

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How Meals on Wheels is Keeping People and Their Pets Together with Morgan Hultquist, Senior Manager of Strategy & Impact, Meals on Wheels, and Dan Capone, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels South Texas ... 31:58

7M ago31:58

31:58

“97 percent of Meals on Wheels clients say that this type of programming does help them keep their pets. So it is really impactful and we’re so grateful for that.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode, Stacy LeBaron dives into the inspiring intersection of pet welfare and human services wit…

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Trap, Neuter, Write? Unraveling the Mystery of TNVR with Sharon Marchisello, Board Member, Fayette Humane Society 25:13

7M ago25:13

25:13

“Trap-Neuter-Return isn’t just a method; it’s a mission to bring community, compassion, and a little mystery into the world of cats.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with animal advocate and mystery author Sharon Marchisello. Sha…

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Building a Safe Haven for Working Cats with Mary Scott, Director of the Working Cats Program, ASAP Cats 34:03

7M ago34:03

34:03

"Working cat programs historically have been programs of last resort... I like to think of the working cats program as really going beyond that, where every cat has the possibility of a live outcome…” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode filled with insight and in…

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Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats 50:36

7M ago50:36

50:36

"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. If you missed Part 1 of this episode click here to listen now! In this special, two-part audio presentation of a re…

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Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats 44:40

7M ago44:40

44:40

"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.” This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent live webinar, we'll Explore Return-to-Field (RTF) programs…

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Mat the Cat Guy Took Up a TNR Torch in South Dakota and He’s Not Stopping with Matt Tougas Founder and President, Sioux Empire TNR 26:01

8M ago26:01

26:01

"I didn’t want to start another rescue that was going to fill up." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Mat Tougas, also known as "Mat the Cat Guy," founder of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition in southeastern South Dakota. Mat share…

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From Fearful to Fearless and the Push to Protect Canada’s Cats with Natalia Hanson, Marketing & Communications Consultant Humane Canada 25:15

8M ago25:15

25:15

"Shelters across the country are in crisis… sometimes keeping a pet at home where they're loved and safe is as simple as providing them with a bowl of food.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund. In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Natalia Hansen, Marketing Coordinator for the Human…

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Taking Rescue to New Heights with Michael Schneider, Founder of Pilots to the Rescue 29:36

8M ago29:36

29:36

"Giving back is way more powerful than receiving. The benefits are tenfold, and they come back to you in ways you can’t explain." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App. In this inspiring episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Michael Schneider, founder of Pilots to the Rescu…

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A Reproductive Revolution: Reframing TNR in Urban Landscapes with Katja M. Guenther, Professor at the University of California, Riverside 33:04

8M ago33:04

33:04

"The reproductive justice framework is really useful for thinking about community cats and TNR because it opens us up to engaging with the lives of the cats both personally and before sterilization, but also afterwards." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps. In this episode, Stacy LeBaron welcomes Katja Gunther, a p…

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3500 Cats and Counting: A Two-Woman TNR Success Story with Dr. Christine Monroe, Owner/Veterinarian & Rhonda Shaffer, Assistant/Trapper, Spay + Neuter Northwest 36:45

9M ago36:45

36:45

"We will not spay and neuter ourselves out of the problem...the education is the lasting part of it, and that will go from person to person." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps. In this episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy interviews Dr. Christine Monroe, a seasoned veterinarian, and Rhonda Shaffer, a dedi…

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Mastering the Drop Trap: Essential Skills for Feline Trapping - Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats 40:44

9M ago40:44

40:44

“When you’re down to the last few cats and time is running out, the drop trap can be your saving grace.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker app. In the second part of this special webinar series, Bryan Kortis from Neighborhood Cats dives deeper into the complexities of drop trap techniques. Exploring the adva…

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Mastering the Drop Trap: Essential Skills for Feline Trapping - Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats 39:57

9M ago39:57

39:57

"The drop trap is the most humane and effective way to trap those hard-to-catch cats, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Acatemy, and Tomahawk Traps. Join Bryan Kortis and Suzi Richmond from Neighborhood Cats for a special broadcast of two-part webinar…

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Mastering Feline Behavior and Enrichment, with Ingrid Johnson, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, Fundamentally Feline 29:44

9M ago29:44

29:44

“Don’t underestimate your cats. Elevate your expectations of them, and you’ll be amazed at what they can achieve.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and The Acatemy . What if your cat’s behavior problems could be solved with just a few simple changes to their environment? Today, we're speaking with Ingrid Johnson, a certified cat b…

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Are Cats the Underdogs in Municipal Politics with Stuart Kroll, Animal Rights Advocate, Port Washington, Long Island 26:25

10M ago26:25

26:25

"Our goal is to put as much public pressure on the town representatives as possible and to spread as much awareness as we can, because the more people that are aware of the problem, the more people are going to ask the town to do something about it." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and Tomahawk Traps. Are you ready to be inspired…

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Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 2, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats 39:33

10M ago39:33

39:33

"Collaboration between animal welfare groups and local governments is the key to creating sustainable, humane community cat programs that work for everyone.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Keeping People and Pets Together Pet Food Pantry, and Tomahawk Traps. In the second half of this enlightening two-part webinar series, S…

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Targeted TNR: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats 48:43

10M ago48:43

48:43

"Understanding the environment and how we approach the ecosystem with community cats is essential, not just for the cats but for the overall health of the communities they inhabit." This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, Humane Canada, and The Keeping People and Pets Together Pet Food Pantry. In this first installment of a special two-…

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Improving the Lives of Cats Through Logistics and Legislation with Danielle Bays, Senior Analyst for Cat Protection and Policy, HSUS 26:41

10M ago26:41

26:41

“Think about all the things that cats go through…they’re smart, they’re clever and we can learn from them.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, Humane Canada, and Tomahawk Traps. Are you curious about the evolving landscape of community cat welfare in the United States? In this episode of the Community Cats…

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Creative Solutions for Rural Cats in Canada with Dr. Savannah Howse, Veterinarian and RJ Bailot, Executive Director, Canadian Animal Task Force 26:32

11M ago26:32

26:32

“The community building aspect of this is so key…that interconnectedness is really what allows us to have the impact that we do.” This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund, The Community Cat Clinic, the Keeping People and Pets Together Pet Food Pantry, and Tomahawk Traps. Rural areas present pronounced challenges in community cat welfare, …