GA Pet Coalition Supports Veterinary Training to Reduce Pet Overpopulation

Dr. Ellard and Dr. Haines instruct vet trainees in HQHVSN techniques.

On May 30th, the HELP Spay/Neuter Clinic teamed up with Butts Mutts, United Spay Alliance, GA Pet Coalition, and the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) to host Georgia’s seventh surgical training for veterinarians in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) techniques. Expert surgeon instructors, Dr. Mary-Elizabeth Ellard and Dr. Katherine Haines, provided didactic and hands-on instruction to five licensed veterinarians on how to safely and efficiently spay and neuter 23 shelter dogs (who are now ready for adoption). GA Pet Coalition has been a partner in six of the seven vet trainings so far.

By empowering our existing pool of veterinarians with HQHVSN techniques at a training offered locally, these initiatives aim to save lives by reducing the enormous backlog of spay/neuter surgeries in our state. Participating vet trainees also receive 8 continuing education units from the GVMA.

To date, Georgia has contributed 23% of the vets trained nationally under the United Spay Alliance’s pilot program.

Left to right: Cindy Leopard, Executive Director, HELP Spay/Neuter Clinic; Georgia Second Lady Jan Jones; Nova the adoptable dog; and Peggy McCarthey, board director and volunteer, GA Pet Coalition.

Many thanks to Cindy Leopard, Executive Director of the HELP Spay/Neuter Clinic in Newnan who made this successful collaboration possible. A special note of gratitude is also extended to Butts Mutts who provided the funding through a generous donor, and to Georgia’s Second Lady, Jan Jones, for working the entire day at the clinic and assisting with dogs in the recovery area, including trimming their toenails!