How to Start a Spay/Neuter Program, Part 1
Alley Cat Advocates opened their own spay/neuter clinic devoted exclusively to community cats in February 2020. Building on the lessons learned in running a M.A.S.H.style clinic for 16 years, the clinic now alters 150 community cats per week. In this presentation, we will examine important lessons learned and challenges overcome.

You’ll also learn how the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon started and grew their stationary spay/neuter clinic for cats, with an emphasis on freeroaming and feral cats. You will discover more about what it takes to start a highquality, highvolume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) clinic, along with some of the pitfalls and ways to measure success. From the first steps to program development, this presentation will give you a place to start and resources to continue to build your dream clinic.

Pet Friendly Services of Indiana is a statewide financial assistance organization that provides free and lowcost surgery certificates to rescue groups, shelters and limitedincome residents. By offering additional certificates to groups that trapneuterreturn community cats, Pet Friendly Services has expanded the state's community cat programs. Providing financial assistance to limitedincome pet owners and community cat programs can quickly move shelters to zerokill status while helping cats in the field.

Scarlett Cmiel manages operations at Pet Friendly Services in Indiana, handling financial records, database maintenance, and liaison work with veterinary clinic partners. She's been active in animal welfare since 2011, including founding People United 4 Pets, Inc. (4PUPS) in 2016. Scarlett and her husband also run a kennelfree dog boarding business in Cloverdale, IN.

Audrey Garrison is the executive director of Operation Catnip, bringing expertise in trapping, caregiver support, and setting up HQHVSN clinics for cats. She has been involved with cats and community cats since 1991.

Karen Little cofounded Alley Cat Advocates in 1999, altering over 50,000 community cats. Her work led to successful programs like a M.A.S.H.style clinic and an RTF program, raising Louisville’s live release rate for cats to over 95%.

Leah Kennon has a background in veterinary medicine and animal welfare, overseeing significant growth in spay/neuter programs at the Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon. Her efforts have expanded services and improved care for cats.

Dorell Sackett directs the SpayNeuter Action Project (SNAP) in San Diego, altering over 68,000 animals. Her leadership and humane education initiatives have made SNAP a successful provider of affordable spay/neuter services.

Cheri Storms has been instrumental in growing Pet Friendly Services of Indiana into a statewide leader in preventing unwanted litters and protecting outdoor dogs and cats. She holds degrees from Indiana University and is dedicated to animal welfare.