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

About this episode

This episode features Patricia Chan discussing her work with Spay Panama and its impact on animal welfare in the context of climate change and cultural collaboration.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Stacy LeBaron

Guest: Patricia Chan

Topics covered

• animal welfare
• climate change
• spay-neuter initiatives
• community collaboration
• cultural traditions

Keywords

• animal welfare
• spay-neuter
• climate change
• Guna community
• veterinary services
• community involvement
• Pat Chan

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Spay Panama

Places: Panama, Guna Yala

More episodes of United We Spay

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• 028: Fix Before You Feed with Julie Jacobson · March 5, 2026 · 29 min
• Scaling Spay Neuter Through Strategy, Data, and Humor with Deborah Cribbs · February 5, 2026 · 37 min
• 026: Full Circle TNR: Building Sustainable, Community-Led Cat Care with Adelle Louise · January 1, 2026 · 31 min
• 025: Behind the Mic with Stacy LeBaron on Cats, Clinics, and Burnout · December 4, 2025 · 39 min
• 024: Confronting the Vet Shortage with Cheri Storms · November 6, 2025 · 25 min