Trailblazing Training for Indiana's Vets
On July 26, 2025, Pet Friendly Services of Indiana, in partnership with the Humane Society of Elkhart County, proudly hosted a High Quality, High Volume (HQHV) spay/neuter wet lab—an innovative training designed to address Indiana’s veterinarian shortage and tackle shelter overpopulation at its root. This hands-on lab, a program created by United Spay Alliance, gave Indiana veterinarians the opportunity to learn efficient surgical techniques directly from seasoned experts.
Dr. Scales, one of the participating veterinarians, described the experience as transformative: “The mindset was the absolute best for the patient — as little surgery time as possible results in the fastest recovery and least chance of complications. You can listen and watch videos of techniques, but until you physically have to perform, it doesn’t stick.”
She credits the training from Elkhart veterinarians with boosting her surgical confidence, increasing her speed, and perfecting her technique—skills that she now puts into practice at a feline low-cost spay/neuter clinic at the Fulton County Animal Center in Rochester Indiana. By applying what she learned at the wet lab, Dr. Scales is not only serving her community but also ensuring more cats are fixed quickly and safely. “I have always wanted to give back to the communities I live in and around — and this is a way to do it!” she shared.
This story demonstrates the ripple effect of HQHVSN training: it doesn’t just improve surgical outcomes, it inspires and recruits veterinarians to join the high-volume spay/neuter field. Every participant leaves better equipped to serve, with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
Indiana faces both a severe veterinary shortage and an overwhelming influx of homeless pets. By bringing cutting-edge HQHVSN training directly to our state, Pet Friendly Services is preparing veterinarians to meet this challenge. We are excited to announce a second wet lab, scheduled for November 16th in Lafayette.
Registration will open soon! You can sign up on United Spay Alliance’s the wait list at the link below to be notified.
Last Call for Early Bird Pricing!
The 2025 United Spay Alliance Online Conference (October 11–12) offers dedicated learning and networking opportunities for veterinarians who provide (or are interested in providing) spay/neuter services. With a focus on practical skills, efficiency, and support, these sessions will help you grow your impact and strengthen your role in addressing pet overpopulation.
Veterinary professionals may be especially interested in:
- HQHVSN in the Real World – Peer-led discussions on protocols, efficiency, and the daily challenges of high-volume surgery.
- Just Add Five to Save More Lives – Dr. Becky Morrow’s strategies for safe, efficient workflow improvements that make room for more surgeries.
- Accelerating Impact Through Training – Case studies on one-day HQHVSN trainings and Spayathons that expand local capacity.
- What’s Keeping You Up at Night? – Honest conversations about burnout, staffing shortages, and solutions tailored to veterinary teams.
You can view the entire agenda here.
Early bird pricing ends September 11! Register today!
Spread the Word about Fix by Five!
Shelters across the country are full, yet most people don’t know the best time to spay/neuter their cat – or that kittens can have more kittens! The Feline Fix by Five campaign, a program of the United Spay Alliance, is working to change this.
You can help by spreading the word! Graphics and copy are available to share online or in print on our website.
Thank YOU for being on our team!
Thank you for being a valued partner in our mission to end pet overpopulation in Indiana. Your commitment to providing accessible spay/neuter services makes a lasting impact in communities across the state. We’re grateful for your expertise, your compassion, and your dedication—and we’re proud to have you as part of the Pet Friendly Services network.
Our Contact Information
Pet Friendly Services of Indiana
1100 W 42nd Street, Suite 205
Indianapolis, IN 46208
317-767-7771
http://PetFriendlyServices.org
