Building a Sustainable Spay/Neuter Assistance Program: Funding, Veterinary Partnerships, and Community Impact

August 18, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET

As shelters across the country struggle with capacity challenges, increasing intake, and limited resources, prevention has never been more important. Join Pet Friendly Services of Indiana as we share nearly 50 years of experience building and managing a statewide spay/neuter assistance program.

This webinar will explore how community-based spay/neuter programs can reduce shelter intake, stretch limited resources, and provide affordable services to pet owners. Attendees will gain insight into finding sustainable funding sources, recruiting veterinary partners, and efficiently administering financial assistance programs. We will also discuss innovative partnerships, including mobile clinic collaborations, sliding-scale assistance models, and the role of automation in managing large-scale programs.

Whether you are launching a new program or strengthening an existing one, this session will provide practical strategies and real-world examples that can be adapted to communities of all sizes.

What You'll Learn

  • Program Foundations

    Evaluate the key components needed to launch and sustain a community-based spay/neuter assistance program.

  • Funding & Partnerships

    Develop strategies for securing recurring funding and building a network of participating veterinarians.

  • Operational Efficiency

    Implement administrative and operational practices that maximize impact while stretching limited program resources.

Ready to Build a Ready to Build a Sustainable Spay/Neuter Program That Keeps Pets Out of Shelters?

Enroll now and get nearly 50 years of real-world strategies for sustainable, affordable spay/neuter access.

Meet the Presenters

This webinar's presenters join us from Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to affordable spay/neuter services and reducing pet overpopulation. Founded in 1977, the organization provides financial assistance for pet owners, shelters, rescues, and community cat programs, funding nearly 14,000 spay/neuter surgeries annually through a network of approximately 100 veterinary partners. Pet Friendly Services also serves as the United Spay Alliance's State Leader for Indiana and works to advance best practices, veterinary capacity, and sustainable spay/neuter solutions throughout the state.

Cheri Storms

Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana

Cheri Storms is the Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, where she has helped grow the organization from a regional program to a statewide spay/neuter initiative. She also serves on the Board of Directors of United Spay Alliance and chairs its Veterinary Capacity Working Group.

Scarlett Cmiel

Operations Manager for Pet Friendly Services of Indiana

Scarlett Cmiel has served as Operations Manager for Pet Friendly Services of Indiana since 2013, overseeing program operations, financial systems, and veterinary partnerships. Active in animal welfare since 2011, she is also the founder of People United 4 Pets (4PUPS), a rescue organization focused on helping at-risk dogs.

Continuing Education Credit

This course, webinar, series, or conference has been approved for Continuing Educational Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certificate holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy located https://nacatraining.org/continuing-education-recertification/