022: Helping Animals that Confront Crisis due to Climate Change with Pat Chan

What if there was a way to directly impact animal welfare and environmental sustainability while honoring cultural traditions?

Join us for United We Spay as we uncover the inspiring path of Patricia “Pat” Chan, a trailblazer in animal welfare and the first female division chief for the Panama Canal Commission. Through her vision, Spay Panama has become a beacon of hope, providing spay-neuter services to over 350,000 animals, including those in the unique cultural landscape of the Guna community in Guna Yala. Explore the profound impact of these programs on managing animal populations in the face of climate change, as well as the vital collaboration with the Guna people that makes it all possible.

This conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of Spay Panama, showcasing the heartwarming dedication of its long-term staff and volunteers. From overcoming language barriers to ensuring no animal is turned away, the clinic's inclusive approach fosters community involvement and global partnerships. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Pat Chan's transition from financial planner to animal welfare advocate and founder of Spay Panama
• Impact of spay-neuter initiatives in controlling animal populations, with over 350,000 procedures completed
• Collaboration with the Guna community to address animal welfare amidst environmental challenges
• Involvement of young volunteers and dedication of long-term staff in spay-neuter campaigns
• Expansion of veterinary services to include larger and exotic animals, like monkeys
• Overcoming obstacles such as language barriers and funding challenges to ensure inclusive animal care
• The role of animal welfare in supporting sustainable community practices in the face of climate change

Resources from this Episode

Spay Panama: spaypanama.org

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.