Best Pet Foster Program Podcasts (2025)

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Beyond the Box Trap: A Better Way to Catch Elusive Felines Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats 37:09

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5d ago37:09

37:09

"It's better to miss than to mistime the drop—because once they learn it's a trap, they won't come back." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund. In this first installment of our Drop Trap Workshop, we're diving deep into the fundamentals of drop trapping—a powerful and underutilized tool in the TNR world. Join Community Cats Podcast Te…

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Paw Prints on Our Hearts: Navigating Pet Loss and Love with Ami King 35:33

6d ago35:33

35:33

Send us a text Have you ever wondered about the profound impact pets can have on our lives? In this heartwarming episode, Julie sits down with Amy King, a fellow animal lover and writer, to explore the joys and challenges of pet ownership. Amy shares her journey from childhood fish tanks to adopting rescue dogs with complex needs. We discuss the em…

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Building Political Power for NYC Community Cats Featuring Allie Taylor (Allie Feldman Taylor), Founder & President, Voters for Animal Rights (VFAR) 23:22

12d ago23:22

23:22

"Imagine if you told New Yorkers, 'Well, you want someone to take your trash away from your block? Oh, you're gonna have to find a volunteer to do that.' That's exactly what's happening here. But with animal care." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund. Stacy LeBaron talks with Allie Taylor, founder and president of Voters for Animal R…

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From Rink to Rescue: How the Chicago Wolves Score Big for Rescue Dogs 28:01

15d ago28:01

28:01

Send us a text Are you ready for a heartwarming tale that combines the thrill of hockey with the joy of pet adoption? In this episode, Julie sits down with Jason Shaver, the play-by-play announcer for the Chicago Wolves Hockey Team, to discuss their incredible Adopt-A-Dog Program. A Unique Blend of Sports and Animal Welfare Jason shares how the Chi…

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Managing Greece's Largest Cat Care Project on an Island Paradise Featuring Isabel Borst, Communications, Engagement & Education Lead at Animal Action Greece – Paros & Antiparos Community Cat Care Project ... 31:00

19d ago31:00

31:00

"Our goal here is really to work from the bottom up and help change the mentality, help the groups to negotiate better fundings with the municipality. We are only here for a limited time, right? So we wanna make sure that we are building a lasting, sustainable system." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and The Community Cat Clinic.…

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Achieving 40% Reduction in Cat Intake Through Targeted TNR in Sunnyvale Featuring Vanessa Forney, Founder & President of Bay Area Cats 33:43

26d ago33:43

33:43

"I think just the nature of having a shelter that's supportive and animal control has really expedited this as a success…And I think that made a big difference in the city." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund. Stacy LeBaron talks with Vanessa Forney, founder and president of Bay Area Cats, an organization in Sunnyvale, California fo…

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Revolutionizing Animal Fundraising With Furlanthropy Featuring Adam Spencer, Founder of Furlanthropy 23:46

1M ago23:46

23:46

"We are a unique charity, very innovative in this space. What you're really doing is you're inviting people to touch your mission. The number one reason anyone gives to any charity or any cause is to fulfill something within themselves, within their own heart." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund. In this financial innovation episode…

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Building Bridges: International Lessons for Community Cat Programs, Featuring Maia Rumpho, Founder of Pet Project Rescue 26:36

1M ago26:36

26:36

"What we do in Mexico is my dream for Minnesota. We provide free spay neuter to both owned and street animals every single week." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. In this international perspective episode, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Maia Rumpho, founder of Pet Project Rescue, who turned a chance e…

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Revolutionizing Kitten Care: The Kitten College Model, Featuring Marnie Russ, Founder, National Kitten College 27:22

2M ago27:22

27:22

"A cat that is well socialized is highly adoptable. A cat that is not well socialized sits in the shelter. It's an important part of your fostering responsibility to get them ready to live outside. Before it was just saving their lives. But now we know better." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and The Community Cat Clinic. In this…

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From Founder to Ambassador: Building Sustainable Community Cat Programs Featuring Joy Smith, Founder and Ambassador, FieldHaven Feline Center 38:41

2M ago38:41

38:41

"We want to turn cat haters into cat toleraters, and that has worked so well. Even the people who say 'I hate cats.' Okay, that's fine if you hate cats. But don't wish them dead. We're gonna work to keep them out of your yard." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats. In this inspiring episode, host Stacy LeBaron we…

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Building Professional Community Cat Programs: From Strategy to Implementation, Featuring Elizabeth Finch, Educator, Author, and Community Cat Program Consultant 31:26

2M ago31:26

31:26

"A community cat program does not just help cats. You think you're going in there to help cats and you turn out really having more impact on the people in that community." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats. In this insightful episode, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes back Elizabeth Finch, an impact-driven leader wh…

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Scaling Spay/Neuter: How One Foundation Is Disrupting Access to Care, Featuring Cathy Bissell, Founder of the Bissell Pet Foundation 40:55

2M ago40:55

40:55

"If you love cats, you should be concerned about trying to help bring those numbers down so animals don't suffer because this is why we do this. We don't want animals suffering, having unwanted litters of cats and having to have them suffer." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and 6 Degrees of Cats. In this powerful episode, host St…

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Municipal Shelter Innovation: No-Kill Success in Small-Town Mississippi, Featuring Glen Andrews, Director, Horn Lake Animal Shelter 30:25

2M ago30:25

30:25

"I envision Horn Lake being the hub of North Mississippi when it comes to animal welfare. I want my animal shelter to be the place that people model their strategies after." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this episode, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Glen Andrews, Director of the H…

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Healing at Home: How PAD Home Pet Services Is Transforming Feline Healthcare, Featuring Dr. Nicole Liebman, DVM, and Ron Coughlin, Co-Founders of PAD Home Pet Services 33:54

3M ago33:54

33:54

"You have to earn a cat's love and respect—and when you do, you have it forever." – Dr. Nicole Liebman This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this inspiring episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron sits down with Dr. Nicole Liebman and Ron Coughlin, the passionate duo behind…

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Saving Scotland's Wildcats: A Conservation Comeback, Featuring Lara Semple, Field Team Member at Saving Wildcats 27:29

3M ago27:29

27:29

"Whether it's a pet cat, a feral cat, or a wildcat—they all deserve care and respect. TNVR isn't just about controlling populations; it's about preserving a legacy." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this compelling episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with L…

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Fiscal Sponsorship for Feline Good: The Chappy & Friends Way, Featuring Robert Bills, Founder of Chappy & Friends 30:23

3M ago30:23

30:23

"I've always just had a goal of helping as many animals as possible." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. For passionate individuals and grassroots organizations working tirelessly in the world of animal welfare, financial logistics and nonprofit administration can feel like insurmountable h…

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Capturing Unconditional Love for Pets: A New Way to Remember Pets with DNA is Love 55:42

3M ago55:42

55:42

Send us a text Have you ever wished you could hold onto a piece of your beloved pet forever? In this heartwarming episode, I sit down with Dave Latorra and Stephanie Ford, the innovative minds behind DNA is Love, a company that's revolutionizing the way we memorialize our furry friends. As a scientist with a PhD in molecular biology, Dave brings hi…

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Bonus Episode: Building and Scaling Foster Programs with Impact 36:54

3M ago36:54

36:54

Join us for an insider’s look at building and scaling a successful foster program. In this episode, we dive into how to pilot new ideas, gain buy-in from leadership and stakeholders, and use data to drive real change. You'll also learn how to effectively market your program and get a behind-the-scenes view of one of the largest foster programs in t…

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Grassroots & Grit: Building TNR Success in Small-Town Indiana, Featuring KerryAnn May, Founder of Animal Outreach of Shelby County 35:24

3M ago35:24

35:24

"I'm giving people the really good traps now. The ones that make their lives easier—because the cats shouldn't be the ones who suffer when we don't have our act together." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this episode, Stacy sits down with KerryAnn May, founder of Animal Outreach of Sh…

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Is Return-to-Field the Future? Insights from Expo, Featuring Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats 31:04

4M ago31:04

31:04

"They're not homeless. They know exactly where their home is, and they've chosen to be there. We're literally returning them home—vaccinated and spayed—so it's a win for the cat, the shelter, and the neighborhood." - Karen Little This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. In this special on-locatio…

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Let Meowt! How Rikers Island Is Saving Its Cats, Featuring Gloria Murli of Rikers Island Cat Rescue and Mike Phillips of Urban Cat League 32:27

4M ago32:27

32:27

"My biggest challenge is making sure the welfare of these cats is taken care of. I'll never desert these cats. Never." - Gloria Murli This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants. What happens when a prison island becomes a refuge for hundreds of community cats? In this powerful episode, host Stacy Le…

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Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 2, Featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats 27:10

4M ago27:10

27:10

"Every single cat was easily trained to go into a drop trap with a roof on it. It's just about giving them time." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Community Cat Clinic. Picking up where we left off in Part 1, Bryan Kortis dives into the advanced techniques that helped his team trap the final 20% of cats in Maui's wildfire …

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Trapper Tips and Tricks, Part 1, featuring Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director for Neighborhood Cats 32:48

4M ago32:48

32:48

"Sometimes the best tip is just not skipping the basics." This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie's Fund and the Community Cat Clinic. In the first half of this special two-part webinar replay, Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats walks us through the foundational and intermediate techniques that can make or break a successful Trap-Neuter-Return (…

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Marley's Mutts Launches New Veterans Therapy Program: Shelter Dogs Healing Others 45:28

4M ago45:28

45:28

Send us a text Are you ready to discover how rescued dogs are transforming the lives of veterans and first responders? In this eye-opening episode, I welcome back Connor Long, Operations Manager at Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, to discuss their groundbreaking program, Troops N Tails. Connor shares his personal journey with equine therapy and how it in…

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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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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: Applications for the 2025 Challenge have closed. GUESTS: Rachel Jones, Consultant, Rachel at the Shelter Tori Fugate, Director of Communications, Shelter Anima…

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How to Find New Fosters in Your Community 32:17

6M 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: Applications for the 2025 Challenge have closed. GUESTS: Whitney Fang, Founding Executive Director, Hearts and Bones Rescue Meaghan Colville, Founder and Dire…

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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

6M 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

6M 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: Applications for the 2025 Challenge have closed. HOSTS: Kristen Hassen, Principal, Outcomes Consulting Kelly Duer, Senior Shelter Solutions Specialist, Maddie's Fund GUESTS: Stacy Pr…

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All About the Foster 50 Challenge 17:12

6M 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

6M 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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Shark Tank Success: Frame Your Feline's Journey to Fame 53:18

7M ago53:18

53:18

Send us a text Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, founders of Frame Your Feline, return to the podcast to share their journey from creating innovative cat furniture to landing a spot on Shark Tank. • Frame Your Feline offers wall-mounted frames that cats naturally jump into, becoming "living masterpieces" • Traditional cat furniture takes up floor…

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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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

7M 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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State of Animal Welfare: Updates from Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue's Melissa Brunson 58:12

8M ago58:12

58:12

Send us a text Melissa Brunson, Executive Director of Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, returns to share critical updates on animal welfare in Southern California where shelters are facing overwhelming challenges. Kern County's 40% euthanasia rate reflects a system in crisis where happy, healthy dogs are being euthanized simply due to lack of space. Ways …

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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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

8M 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

9M 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

9M 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

9M 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…