ATLANTA, GA, (September 20, 2024) – On Saturday, September 14, a groundbreaking partnership between national, state, and local organizations delivered a highly successful training in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) surgical techniques in Atlanta. The day also resulted in the direct spay and neuter of 37 adoptable cats from LifeLine Animal Project.
This event underscores the power of teamwork in advancing animal welfare and highlights the transformative impact of local government funding for meeting the needs of underserved communities and their pets. A second event, focused on spay/neuter procedures for dogs, is already being planned for early 2025.
Four veterinarians from DeKalb County participated in the intensive, hands-on training led by HQHVSN surgeons Dr. Emi Kooyman and Dr. Mary-Elizabeth Ellard of Spay Neuter Vets. The participants rated the training highly, reflecting its success and the value of the HQHVSN techniques presented. These techniques are recognized as best-in-class for enhancing both the safety and efficiency of surgeries, benefiting both animal patients and veterinary teams.
“This is literally the best CE [continuing education] I have ever done,” said Dr. Deva Prather, one of the veterinarians who attended the training. “The teachers are wonderful, engaging, and so knowledgeable. These [HQHVSN] techniques are life-changing in safety and efficiency.”
“Previously, I didn’t feel like I had the skills to help on that [HQHVSN] level,” said Dr. Jennifer Dunbar. “This course was amazing, 100% useful, and boosts my confidence about helping at spay/neuter hospitals.”
Facilitated by United Spay Alliance in partnership with the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) and the GA Pet Coalition, the event was hosted by LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta. This marks the seventh training under United Spay Alliance’s HQHVSN wet lab program, which has provided hands-on surgery experience to 29 veterinarians in five states since its launch in April 2023.
“The GVMA is committed to advancing the veterinary medical profession and supporting the veterinarian’s role in improving animal and public health,” said Dr. Keri Riddick, Executive Director of the GVMA. “This event provided a valuable opportunity to collaborate with our partners, blending continuing education and advocacy, underscoring the importance of fostering relationships with stakeholders across animal welfare and veterinary communities.”
The event was made possible by the generous support of the State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative, spearheaded by Commissioner Michelle Long Spears of District 2, and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Spears, a staunch advocate for animal welfare, has emphasized the critical importance of public investment and collaborative approaches to addressing animal services challenges in the county.
“I was delighted to host the very first HQHVSN training in the state,” said Commission Spears. “As we continue to address the animal wellbeing challenges in our community, we need to lean into innovative, creative solutions that get to the root of the problem. This training does exactly that and I look forward to the second HQHVSN training focused on dogs in 2025.”
“The financial backing from DeKalb County for this initiative is a landmark achievement,” said Esther Mechler, founder of United Spay Alliance. “Spay/neuter is one of the most powerful tools we possess to protect pets and their families. By preventing unwanted litters, reducing the risk of disease, and easing the burden on shelters, we’re safeguarding the future of our communities. We hope other cities and counties will follow DeKalb’s lead in recognizing the long-term benefits of investing in spay/neuter programs.”
As United Spay Alliance looks ahead, the organization is committed to expanding its HQHVSN wet lab program and envisions broader adoption of these collaborative, county-supported initiatives throughout Georgia and beyond. The success of the event in DeKalb County sets a strong precedent, demonstrating how targeted funding and partnerships can pave the way for sustainable, community-driven animal welfare solutions.
About Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA)
The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) supports the veterinary profession and ensures the highest standards of care for animals. Through continuing education, advocacy, and community outreach, GVMA serves as a vital resource for veterinarians throughout Georgia.
About GA Pet Coalition (GPC)
The GA Pet Coalition is committed to advancing the welfare of pets in Georgia through legislative advocacy, education, and collaboration with various stakeholders. The GPC works to create a state where all pets are healthy, valued, and living in loving homes.
About LifeLine Animal Project
A nonprofit founded in 2002, LifeLine Animal Project provides lifesaving solutions to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in county shelters. LifeLine manages DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services, where it has sustained no-kill levels, and operates two LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinics. LifeLine provides services to over 43,000 animals annually and has performed 195,500 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to date, including 61,100 stray/feral cats through its Community Cat program, metro Atlanta’s first and largest trap-neuter-return assistance program. LifeLine’s community outreach improves the quality of life for animals in the community and helps prevent pet overpopulation. LifeLine’s Community Animal Center features an adoption center and a full-service, low-cost veterinary clinic to help make pet care accessible to all. In the last twenty years, LifeLine has helped over 350,000 animals. For more information, please visit LifeLineAnimal.org or follow LifeLine on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
About United Spay Alliance
United Spay Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote affordable, accessible, and timely spay/neuter services as the key to addressing the problems of overpopulation. To learn more, visit unitedspayalliance.org or follow @UnitedSpayAlliance on Facebook and Instagram.
