ACC&D is a non-profit organization that works to develop and promote new and humane methods for spay/neuter of cats and dogs. I am a researcher in this field, and I have benefited greatly from ACC&D's support of my project. They have given me constructive feedback and advice on my research, and connected me with other relevant organizations and experts. I think ACC&D is doing a fantastic job of bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications. I would strongly recommend ACC&D to anyone who wants to contribute to the field of non-surgical contraception for animals.
As a reproductive scientist and veterinarian, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) on innovative solutions to manage pet populations humanely. My work with ACC&D included testing a new formulation of GonaCon™ in domestic cats, which resulted in two peer-reviewed publications:
• Safety and effectiveness of a single and repeat intramuscular injection of a GnRH vaccine (GonaCon™) in adult female domestic cats.
• Effectiveness of GonaCon as an immunocontraceptive in colony-housed cats.
These studies represent groundbreaking steps in improving non-surgical options for managing free-roaming and shelter cat populations.
Beyond research, I’ve served on ACC&D’s ethical review board, witnessing their unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability. Their annual stakeholder meetings bring together leading experts, practitioners, and advocates to share knowledge and drive innovation. ACC&D creates an inclusive environment that fosters collaboration and emphasizes ethical approaches to animal welfare challenges.
This organization doesn’t just address population control; they advocate for humane, evidence-based solutions that make a tangible impact on animal welfare. Their dedication to advancing science while remaining deeply rooted in compassion is unparalleled.
I wholeheartedly recommend ACC&D to anyone passionate about improving the lives of cats and dogs. They are making meaningful strides toward a future where non-surgical contraceptives play a vital role in reducing the overpopulation crisis.
Lindsey Vansandt | DVM, PhD
Director, Imperiled Cat Signature Project
Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) is a true beacon of hope for animal welfare. Their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of companion animals and addressing overpopulation with innovative, humane solutions is nothing short of inspiring.
What sets ACC&D apart is their forward-thinking approach. By focusing on non-surgical contraceptive methods, they are revolutionizing the way we care for cats and dogs, making population control more accessible and less stressful for animals and their caregivers alike.
Their passion for collaboration and education shines through in every project they undertake. Whether through research, advocacy, or partnerships with other organizations, ACC&D consistently demonstrates a heartfelt dedication to making the world a better place for animals.
I deeply admire their vision and the tangible impact they’ve made. ACC&D's work gives me hope for a future where all animals are treated with dignity and care. If you’re looking to support an organization that truly makes a difference, look no further than the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs.
I have known Gary Evans, the president of ACC-D, for many years. He currently serves on the board of my non-profit, Leuk's Landing, Inc.. We are a sanctuary for cats with feline leukemia. Gary has shown himself as a person who gets stuff done and follows through on his commitments. He is dedicated to the well-being of animals and I know in his current role, he is passionate about the work of ACC-D.
Our cats are former ferals and strays and I know from the rescues and groups that bring these kitties to us, the importance of finding new ways to spay and neuter so it will eventually put me out of business! Feline Leukemia is mainly transmitted via mating and I welcome and support all advances to lower the incidence of this virus.
I am a software developer working on a project to develop tools for counting cats from photos using techniques from computer vision and deep learning. I was put in touch with ACC&D by someone who is working on a project they sponsor. ACC&D was immediately interested and has been a huge help on the project by inviting me to present at their annual sponsors’ meeting. This gave my project wide exposure to experts in wildlife population dynamics generally and the specific techniques and issues involved in counting cats. ACC&D capitalized on this interest to organize an advisory panel that will help turn basic technology into a truly usable toolkit for local, national, and international humane societies. Without ACC&D’s enthusiastic support, I could not have credibly approached so many experts from so many organizations in so short a time. Their help has truly been transformative.
I have been on the ACC&D Board of Directors since 2011. Over that time, we've seen great progress toward the goal of non-surgical contraception and sterilization. ACC&D plays a critical role in keeping the animal welfare field up to date on progress so we will be ready to successfully implement these technologies. I'm proud of the work this organization does and the people who do it.
As the Europe Director of the Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control and as a researcher who had dedicated more than 20 years to developing practical applications of fertility control for wildlife and free-roaming livestock, I’ve had the privilege of attending several ACC&D meetings and symposia. In all these occasions I have admired the dedication, professionality and drive of the ACC&D which has combined evidence-based research with the need to develop safe, effective, non-lethal methods to manage cat and dog populations and to evaluate the impact of fertility control interventions. Among ACC&D’s many strengths I see a constant exploration of novel technologies whilst taking into account their practical applications and societal impact; a desire to work with, include and learn from a wide spectrum of stakeholders; and a clear aspiration to make the word a better place for animals and people. This aspiration is matched by results: at the last ACC&D meeting in November 2024 I learned so much about new contraceptives, some in the pipeline and others closer to be commercially available, and I also met world leaders in research, clearly attracted by the ACC&D’s ethos and vision. And once again I experienced the full energy and enthusiasm of a room full of great minds dedicated to the challenging, ambitious and truly rewarding goal of making the future brighter for cats and dogs and for society.
As somebody who’s been fortunate enough to attend multiple ACC&D meetings and events, I cannot recommend this organization strongly enough. ACC&D brings together the brightest, most thoughtful people to tackle some of animal welfare’s toughest “wicked problems” in a truly interdisciplinary manner. As their tireless efforts to develop and commercialize a non-surgical sterilant for domestic cats demonstrates, ACC&D is the rare organization that’s learned how to strike the critical balance between the wildly ambitious and the deeply practical.
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As a policy analyst for Best Friends Animal Society, one of several organizations that make up ACC&D’s Council of Stakeholders, I’ve had the privilege of attending several ACC&D meetings as well as two of their symposia over the past six years. The intellectual capacity, integrity, and unwavering commitment to a well-defined mission make ACC&D a truly remarkable organization. I’ve come to think of the two or three days I spend each year with the ACC&D board and staff as a “booster shot” I very much look forward to. I find myself returning home from these encounters buzzing with enthusiasm for the important work underway and, perhaps even more so, for what’s to come.
As a shelter veterinarian who graduated from Cornell and currently works at the Humane Society of Naples, I am truly inspired by the incredible work of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs. Their mission to promote non-surgical sterilization is a groundbreaking approach that will undoubtedly change the future for animals. The passion and dedication of this organization are evident in every initiative they undertake.
By advocating for safe and effective sterilization options, they are not only helping to reduce overpopulation but also improving the quality of life for countless cats and dogs. It’s clear that the Alliance is a game changer in animal welfare, and their innovative solutions will pave the way for a brighter future for our furry friends.
I wholeheartedly support their vision and encourage others to join in their mission. Together, we can make a significant impact!
I have been a Board member of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs since 2008. During that time, I have seen interest in nonsurgical sterilants grow. Currently, methods to control animal overpopulation require anesthesia and surgery. Imagine how much more efficient a nonsurgical option would be. This small group of dedicated people are working to make that happen.
But not only are we working towards the future. One of ACC&D’s core projects is to develop a way to identify animals that have been nonsurgically sterilized. Since a nonsurgical option won’t require general anesthesia, we won’t be able to tip the ears of sterilized community cats, so there has to be an alternative method to identify them. ACC&D is working on that, well in advance of the introduction of a nonsurgical option. But wait, there is current relevance to this project. A recent study reported that only 5% of private practice veterinarians surveyed tattooed animals that they had sterilized. This results in animals of unknown reproductive status who have been relinquished to shelters having to undergo surgical exploration to ensure that they have been sterilized. ACC&D’s marking project has relevance to today’s surgical sterilization, as the end result of their marking project can be used to also identify animals that have been surgically sterilized.
ACC&D’s Vision states, “We envision a world in which dog and cat populations are effectively and humanely managed, improving the lives of dogs and cats and the people who care about them.” This dedicated group of people are not only working towards the future, but are making an impact today, and I am extremely proud to be part of this outstanding organization!
G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH
HQHVSN and Community Cat Surgeon
Paws Plus Veterinary
Lakeland, FL
Retired Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
ACC&D is dedicated to advancing research and implementation of non-surgical sterilants and contraceptives for cats and dogs to promote global accessibility and end pet overpopulation. The organization brings together academia, research and boots-on-the-ground implementation while acting as educator on non-surgical sterilization techniques to animal welfare industry leaders and the public at large. As a shelter director in Louisiana, I cannot overstate the importance of this research and initiative.
ACC&D's mission and passion is needed now more than ever!
This charity works diligently to further the development of spaying/neutering without surgery, which would really impact the world of street dogs and cats around the world. The staff has been excellent to work with and really cares and is passionate about their mission. They are professional, efficient and have the support of leading humane organizations. They are an absolute joy to work with!
ACC&D is a very focussed, mission-driven organization with a fantastic board and energetic staff. For a small nonprofit, they get a lot accomplished! They are forward-thinking, looking not only to advance non-surgical sterilants and contraceptives for cats and dogs, but also to consider practical aspects of implementation of methods in resource-limited settings. ACC&D have compiled extensive resources on these topics that are readily available on their website.
I had the immense privilege of getting to work with ACC&D on some research projects aimed towards improving health and welfare outcomes in companion dog populations. The staff are a wonderful group of bright, energetic, committed professionals who are working tirelessly to improve animal health outcomes. I cannot recommend them highly enough!
I have worked with ACC&D on projects and initiatives related to non-surgical fertility control for cats, companion animal reproduction, and dog health as it relates to surgical sterilization. ACC&D is a leading organization on companion animal health and population management, bringing together researchers and experts from across the globe to work on innovative projects to advance the field.
A few years ago, a colleague of mine introduced me to the president of this organization, Ms. Joyce Briggs. Immediately, she and her team kindly offered help for us, Epivara (https://www.epivara.com), a startup company working on developing non-surgical methods of sterilizing dogs and cats. Back then, we were just staring a small scale proof-of-concept study, without much experience in the field of animal contraception, which was much needed. Since then, throughout numerous meetings we shared our progresses with ACC&D, and received timely feedbacks and advices. Most importantly, Epivara's leadership was invited to present our progresses at ACC&D's Council of Stakeholders Meeting in March 2023, which was incredibly productive in terms of meeting experts in the field of non-surgical contraception and receiving their feedbacks. Later, Ms. Briggs arranged another meeting for us to meet ACC&D's International Scientific Advisory Board members, which was another big learning experience. As Epivara is getting closer to have our products to the market, we sincerely appreciate the enormous support from ACC&D that we have received and to be provide in the future as well.
ACC&D is an incredible organization that works strenuously to advance the field of non-surgical sterilization. There is a hard working, small team of individuals that continue the conversation, science and education within this field. A great organization to support!
They are doing SUCH important work to end the suffering of cats and dogs that goes largely unnoticed because it is focused on the future, i.e. developing a safe, low cost, high volume means of sterilizing animals so that kittens and puppies won’t be born into homeless and suffering, and their mothers won’t have to struggle with taking care of themselves as well as their constantly recurring offspring.
I got to know the inner workings of ACC&D during a rigorous interview process when I applied to be their new President. I interviewed their current President, Chair of the Board, Program Director and had a group interview with the Transition Committee of their accomplished Board.
Every staff and Board member I spoke to was impressive! They are smart, deep, strategic critical thinkers who are all committed to the organization's mission and working diligently to move it forward.
I reviewed the organization's financials and it is clear that they make wise, careful use of their funds and account for it meticulously.
ACC&D has animal welfare at its core. When supporting the development of new technologies around non-surgical sterilization they realized there was a need for an ethical review framework for those projects - so they developed one! And they did it with scrupulous attention, then made it available to others.
This is a terrific organization, bringing experts together at the leading edge of their field, doing work that will improve the welfare of cats and dogs around the world.
I recommend ACC&D wholeheartedly and without reservation!
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I have worked alongside ACC&D staff for some years and have been super-impressed with their knowledge, experience and skills. The organization is adept at bringing together experts in the field of companion animal contraception but also in identifying and connecting with professionals outside the conventional animal welfare realm who can bring added value to this life-saving work. Most recently, in 2019, I was asked to review their ethical review process and sat on the ethical review board for an innovative study they are conducting. I was very impressed with ACC&D's choice of ethical review board members which really demonstrated their commitment to advancing the field in ways that draw on expertise. The ACC&D staff are all terrific network weavers, facilitators and presenters.
I have been impressed with the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs since my first interaction with them, and I passionately support their mission of developing non-surgical sterilization methods to help humanely manage feline and canine populations at scale. This is a critical step for improving health standards and outcomes for our four-legged friends and the humans they live amongst. To achieve its goals, ACC&D unites thought leaders in academic research, key players in the pharmaceutical and veterinary care industries, and influential animal welfare organizations, ultimately providing leadership in the field while driving significant change towards a better world for animals.
There are so many ways that animal welfare can be improved, but preventing unwanted animals from being born has to be one of the most impactful. ACC&D is working to do just that by making sterilization more accessible to more animals and communities. It's a small and impressive organization consisting of passionate staff and volunteers working on important projects to advance non-surgical fertility control.
ACC&D is a small but mighty organization that works very hard to achieve ACC&D's visionary mission. It is ever-inspiring to be able to work with such dedicated and supportive staff, Directors, and Advisors with unrelenting passion and aptitude for reducing the needless suffering of cats and dogs all over the world.
It has been my pleasure to work with ACC&D as a scientific consultant. Before consulting on one of their scientific inquiries I was aware of the innovative work done by ACC&D regarding non-surgical sterilants for cats and dogs. It was a new experience, however, to work with them on one of their scientific projects. The group assembled by ACC&D, representing multiple disciplines and welfare perspectives, was as professional, knowledgeable, and collegial as any I have worked with in my career. Interestingly, apart from ACC&D staff, almost all group members volunteered their time and expertise to design and execute research to further the welfare of dogs and cats. ACC&D’s leadership, reputation and professionalism enable them (with minimal resources) to gather talented people together (such as those in our group) to create new knowledge directly enhancing animal welfare. I am unaware of comparable organizations.
ACC&D is the most impressive alliance in the world aiming at reducing pet overpopulation by contracepting and sterilizing dogs and cats. ACC&D role is crucial in terms of animal welfare since we will not be able to efficiently reduce or even manage cat and dog populations using surgical means only. Non-surgical methods are needed and ACC&D action has been instrumental in bringing together scientists, academics, foundations and animal welfare groups to collaborate and share various and complementary experiences.
For more than a decade, ACC&D has promoted the most ethical and effective approaches to improve birth control. ACC&D is a small and very efficient organisation and I am so proud to be part of their scientific advisory board!
As someone who has worked with animal rescue groups for many years, I know that in spite of the great strides that have been made in recent years there are still millions of dogs and cats being euthanized in animal shelters each year. One significant way of addressing this problem is the development of nonsurgical methods of animal sterilization, which would be quicker and cheaper than the current surgical methods available. The Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs is a nonprofit organization spearheading this important effort. Everyone involved in this group is incredibly passionate about their work and it shows in everything they do. One of the greatest strengths of the ACC&D is their ability to bring together people from different backgrounds, scientists, veterinarians, policy-makers and the public to facilitate discussion by hosting think tanks and symposium. They have wisely decided to support several different scientific approaches to this problem since it is not known which program will be successful. They not only focus on the science, but also on methods of identifying fixed animals, ethical considerations for testing and treatment as well as public policy, since all of these topics will be critical in adopting any new methodology. The ACC&D also serves as an excellent resource for information for both professionals in the field and the public by maintaining a detailed website on all topics related to nonsurgical sterilization. The ACC&D is an amazing organization leading the way to a brighter future for cat and dog population management.
There are many wonderful nonprofits in the animal welfare sphere. But, I find ACC-D exceptional in many ways: 1) This organization is focused and strategic -- they have very clear goals and prioritize their resources wisely; 2) they have a caring Staff and Board of Directors -- all of whom have an eye on organizational health; and 3) they are patient in their pursuit of what could mean a major, positive shift for felines and canines. Thank you ACC-D!
I have the greatest admiration for ACC&D and its focus on finding pragmatic and effective ways to advance solutions to humane dog and cat population management. This is such an important area of animal welfare which is relevant to millions of animals around the world. I have recently retired from being chief executive of the charity International Cat Care which has been a member of ACC&D’s Council of Stakeholders for many years. Education and preventive solutions are not sexy topics - people are often more motivated to support organisations which are helping animals which have already been impacted by a problem. Although prevention is better than cure, the way the world works means that prevention often gets much less credit when something bad doesn’t happen! This challenge is complex and requires thought-leadership, patience and determination. ACC&D collaborates creatively with a wide range of different disciplines ranging from high level research to individuals and organisations which understand how it could be implemented in the field. Their approach is intelligent, open minded and respectful, making the most of a moderate budget to bring together an amazing group of people who really care. For a small organisation it packs a big punch. Someone has to do this work and thank goodness the ACC&D team are those people, breaking new ground and making progress. They are to be applauded not just for their work but for their ethos and enthusiasm for the very difficult task in hand.
ACC&D is a unique non-profit, which combines science and practice to advance the humane management of dogs and cats, while critically evaluating the impact our efforts have on the individual as well as the population. Working with them and exchanging ideas and experiences has been very valuable, especially in terms of cat population dynamics and how we can improve our understanding and planning of cat management projects.
ACC&D is an amazing nonprofit organization that is advancing critical work in an effective and efficient fashion. They have routinely tackled complex research questions in a rigorous way. One of their greatest strengths is their ability to gather experts from a variety of disciplines and then leverage that knowledge to tackle difficult questions. Acting as a convener in the complex landscape of companion animal welfare is no easy task and yet ACC&D has a long track record of success in this space.
ACC&D is an exceptional non-profit with a fantastic research team working diligently to solve the pet overpopulation crisis of cats and dogs nationally and internationally. This is a team of social scientists, veterinarians and policy experts researching in a collaborative environment without ego. As the host of the Community Cats Podcast I have had several of their board members and staff participate in my online programming and I am proud to have them on the show and at events. If you are interested in big picture research and thinkers- ACC&D is the organization that is for you.
As a research scientist working in the Biomedical/Chemical Engineering field, I have been working with ACC&D to develop a novel approach for marking and identifying treated dogs and cats. ACC&D has shown excellent support and communication skills to facilitate our collaborative projects. Also, I was impressed with their enthusiasm for animal welfare.
As the executive director of a veterinary medical association focused on animal welfare, I truly appreciate the ACC&D’s breadth of expertise and resources provided in the area of non-surgical sterilization. They really have been the go-to organization for the veterinary community to learn about the latest research, applications and trends as it relates to non-surgical sterilization and how that field represents one of the next frontiers in efforts to address animal population control. Additionally, their forward-thinking policy initiatives illustrate how they are addressing the issue from a comprehensive perspective, realizing that legislative and regulatory changes need to accompany scientific advancements to ultimately affect change and improve animal lives.
Pam Runquist, MS, Executive Director, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
In college, I worked in the surgery suite of an animal shelter and a lot of our surgeries were for the local TNR program. This work was super important to me, but I also wondered why I wasn't aware of any advancements in spaying and neutering cats and dogs. There had to be ways to better control stray populations and make limited funding go further. One Google search and I found ACC&D. From then on, I was obsessed. They put out such great content to keep supporters like me up to date on the latest discoveries and do it in a way that is easy to digest/understand. I'm thrilled there is an organization that aligns with my passions and is focused on bringing awareness to an issue that is not widely broadcast.
As someone who has worked in leadership and consulting positions in animal welfare for 20 years, I follow ACC&D’s work and appreciate the organization’s commitment to being a game changer, by getting hardworking animal shelters new tools to do their challenging work. As the founder of a new nonprofit veterinary clinic (Options Veterinary Care), I am eager to have the option of injectable sterilants that can ultimately help many more animals and their people. In my work through Humane Network, we have created a program to train future animal welfare leaders—University of the Pacific Animal Shelter Management Certificate Program. ACC&Ds President Joyce Briggs has spoken to our students many times about working successfully in coalitions. We can always count on her to inspire them and one student’s feedback on the most recent class started with: “I was blown away by Joyce’s candor and insight.
Diane Blankenburg, Humane Network CEO
I was familiar with the Alliance for the Contraception of Cats and Dogs before it incorporated as a non-profit. I attended the informal conferences that were arranged and appreciated the vision to expand the available options for humane management of cat and dog populations. My commitment to this vision lead to me to join the original "gang of five" that established ACCD as a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. I joined the board of ACCD and eventually served two terms as board chair. During that time under the leadership of Executive Director Joyce Briggs the ACCD established a transparent management model to support a dynamic vision for the organization. At a time when misinformation and "alternate facts" are all too common in the public sphere it is no small thing that ACCD is recognized as a fact-based resource on research and applications of cat and dog contraception. This philosophy and history has attracted a stellar group of board members and advisors to the organization. The staff is small and the budget is lean. Board members and advisors volunteer their time and expertise. Supporters know that a dollar given to ACCD is a dollar invested in the future welfare of cat and dog populations.
This is truly a wonderful organisation that works in a very unique way within this field - through focusing on developing new and innovative solutions to age-old problems. This way, they would have a great and long lasting impact on animal welfare all around the world. They have been my go-to place to look up useful resources and articles regarding non-surgical sterilisation and the associated sciences, long before I came on board as an advisor. They work through a fair and transparent way, seeking opinions from professionals and experts to represent a diverse background. It is one of the few organisations that I have always truly admired for their mission and professionality.
A visionary organization with exceptional leadership. The organization provides a collaborative environment fostering innovative thinking and research to ultimately affect the lives of millions of dogs and cats around the world. ACC&D's work is inspirational to say the least!
ACC&D contacted me a few years ago to determine if technology we are developing in my laboratory at the university would be useful for their goal of marking dogs and cats that had received a contraceptive procedure. In a highly collaborative manner, we developed a novel approach to solve this problem and have been carrying out research together since that time. ACC&D has displayed remarkable expertise in our project, shared valuable connections to other leaders in the field, offered creative solutions to challenges along the way, exhibited excellent communication skills, and has taken a supportive and collegial approach to our shared project. I have been impressed with how they leverage resources to make a disproportionately large impact given their relatively small size.
The Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs (ACCD) is dedicated to advancing research and implementation of non-surgical sterilants and contraceptives for cats and dogs to promote their global accessibility and end pet overpopulation. At the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the ACCD leadership worked with shelters to provide them with information about temporary contraception since widescale spay/neuter (surgical sterilization) was put on hold due to the world-wide shortage in gloves and masks. ACCD then surveyed groups that utilized the temporary contraception to be able to share data and results. This is an excellent example of how ACCD is making important contributions to end pet overpopulation. Please consider donating to ACCD.
I had the privilege to serve on the ACC&D Board of Directors from 2010-2018, and now serve on its Scientific Advisory Committee. This is a model organization for ethical and conscientious leadership in animal welfare. I trust it fully as an educational and scientific resource, and frequently use its materials in the animal sciences courses that I teach at the University of Illinois.
I was particularly proud to be affiliated with ACC&D in 2020, when the COVID-19 crisis halted spay/neuter programs across the country. ACC&D launched and maintained an important conversation about nonsurgical alternatives for cats, and also offered reassuring guidance for managers of free-roaming cat colonies.
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I have been volunteering with ACC&D for about a year, and it has been a wonderful experience. The team at ACC&D is amazing; they are passionate, thoughtful, and diligent in their efforts, and are able to flex with the times while remaining focused on their mission. My volunteer work with them has allowed me to utilize my expertise and challenge myself in new ways, and it has been an honor to be able to be involved with an organization that does so much for such a great cause.
ACC&D has a established reputation for providing reliable information and resources on fertility control in cats and dogs. They are constantly searching and advocating for new innovations in cat and dog contraception and welfare. Their reputation and reach are worldwide. They are small enough to be flexible and are able provide rapid ethical solutions to emerging issues such as reduced access to veterinary care by animal shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
I have worked with ACC&D for over six years and have witnessed both the staff's and leadership's tireless commitment to its mission.
Not only do they have outstanding people doing the day-to-day work, but their board of directors is comprised of top leaders in the animal welfare industry.
ACC&D operates intelligently, strategically and efficiently always being good stewards of the donations given to its cause.
The role ACC&D serves, and has pioneered, in the animal welfare industry is critically important to saving more animal lives by socializing and educating on non-surgical sterilization techniques - ACC&D is the real deal!
As a veterinarian interested in rabies prevention globally I am well aware of how dog and cat over population can impact animal welfare and public health. The Alliance For Contraception In Dogs And Cats is an unique organization that brings together so many experts and caring individuals united to accomplish a common goal: to prevent unnecessary animal deaths due to overpopulation. The Board of Directors are passionate about their mission and facilitate many projects, think tanks, and conferences where people can network and find ways to work together. The ACC&D is a great non-profit that is managed well and is efficient in supporting its membership. I have served on the Board and remain a technical advisor because they are doing what needs to be done to solve this complex problem. I encourage scientists to join so that they may apply their knowledge to find solutions to dog and cat overpopulation. The ACC&D website contains excellent supportive and technical information. I highly recommend joining this non-profit if you are interested in this topic.
I've been involved with ACC&D for more than a decade. As a veterinarian with a strong interest in novel approaches to animal welfare, ACC&D's struck a chord with me early on. I have collaborated with ACC&D to write academic papers, hosted speaking engagements for vet schools and shelter medicine programs, and worked with the council of stakeholders on several occasions.
What has always stood out to me is the incredible balance that ACC&D's staff and stakeholders strike when it comes to passion, purpose, and professionalism. In the world of animal welfare, it is relatively easy to find these things in isolation. But they rarely come in a complete package. This is what keeps me working with and speaking up for ACC&D.
I encourage anyone to take a close look at their work and see for themselves.
The target of this NGO is to test and develop strategies whereby pet overpopulation (wild dogs and stray cats) may be controlled in a humane and ethical way. ACC&D aims to generate, provide and share reliable information on novel approaches towards this goal. This is done through internal reaserach, symposia which share evidence based science with a broad public and scientific publication in peer reviewed journals.
ACC&D staff has the ability to efficiently combine basic science with an in depth knowledge of the field.
I really enjoy teaming up with them in getting new strategies moving forward!
This highly effective and efficient group was formed as an alliance between three groups that previously had not communicated, yet all had similar goals - to reduce pet overpopulation by contracepting or sterilizing dogs and cats. The groups are academic researchers, pharmaceutical companies and the animal welfare groups. ACC&D has been a source of credible and reliable information that helps all three groups move this goal forward. They have held multiple international symposium that increases communication and knowledge on the subject worldwide, supporting work in computer modeling of population dynamics, helped welfare groups evaluate new technologies, and generally filled an important place in the animal welfare ecosystem. They run on a very lean budget, with a small staff of about 2-3 people, and a dedicated volunteer Board of directors, scientific advisors, and international experts. No other organization does what they do. I have been honored to be a part of this great organization for over 15 years, and seen how impactful their work is.
ACC&D brings together an exceptional group of experts to bring innovative tools and solutions to managing cat and dog populations around the globe. The organization bridges academia, research and boots-on-the-ground implementation under an ethical framework. Development of an effective non-surgical sterilant would have an enormously positive impact on dogs and cats, particularly those who are free-roaming, and the people who share their environment. I've been honored to be invited to participate in stakeholder discussions and am continually impressed by not only how much this small organization gets done, but by the quality of the work. ACC&D makes me excited about the future.
ACC&D is unique in its ability to bring together a true cross section of leaders in science and animal welfare to move forward their goal to advance non-surgical sterilants and contraceptives for cats and dogs and to promote their global accessibility. I have worked alongside ACC&D for many years and I continue to be inspired by their forward thinking approach to bringing the "best and the brightest" together in a collegial and thoughtful manner.
I have worked with ACC&D for a couple of years. They impressed me with their ethusiasm toward animal welfare.
ACC&D leads in work with the potential to truly change the world. The landscape for animals and people would be tremendously improved with the development of a non-surgical sterilant. This is a rigorously scientific group that also factors in ethical and practical considerations in their pursuits.
As a supporter of ACC&D since its inception and an advisor for almost as long, it’s been a pleasure to watch the organization grow into a multifaceted, science-based, internationally known catalyst supporting the development of nonsurgical approaches to pet and “unowned” cat and dog population control. ACC&D routinely brings together disciplines in its Think Tanks and other programs to address the needs and practicalities involved in cat and dog population control, and its symposia – six so far since 2001 – to present and share projects, methodologies, and outcomes as they emerge. ACC&D also sponsors initiatives in areas such as population modeling, product profiles, and position papers. The organization makes its resources and results available via its website. I’ve presented at three symposia and developed marketplace models, white papers, and an overview e-book; and serve on ACC&D's scientific advisory board. ACC&D draws committed, qualified volunteers from all over the world and allocates its funds in a strategic, purposeful manner consistent with its stated mission and values.
ACC&D is a leader in advancing research and increasing cooperation among groups working on nonsurgical contraceptive options for companion animals. They have a very small staff that is able to accomplish great things! They are also able to bring together people with very different ideas and bridge the gap between basic science and practical implementation.
I have been collaborating and working on projects with this charity for the past two years and have found them to be dedicated experts in their field and thought leaders for issues that extend far beyond their mission. The leadership and staff are hard-working, inspirational, and purposeful partners who take their responsibility to their donors and constituents - both animals and people - extremely seriously. I highly recommend this organization for anyone interested in finding long-term solutions to improving dog and cat welfare worldwide.
I have known about ACC&D for several years and have attended multiple events and conferences. They are a totally professional organization and yet they remain caring and concerned about all unwanted cats and dogs. They are scientifically sound and enthusiastic in their efforts. First rate all around!
I worked for ACC&D from 2006 through 2012 and remain familiar with the organization's leadership and activities. ACC&D is a visionary organization, investing in the search for contraceptive tools for cats and dogs that will have exponential returns down the road. The organization's executive director, board of directors, and scientific advisory board bring together some of the greatest minds and stakeholders in animal welfare and reproductive biology. ACC&D has a particular strength in convening diverse groups of experts to discuss, explore, and advance specific scientific questions and challenges. Fiscal oversight is exceptional and the organization is strategic and effective in use of funds. Having deep and long experience with this nonprofit, I strongly recommend them to those interested in furthering population control for cats and dogs anywhere in the world.
I've been working with ACC&D since 2011 in a collaborative project on free-roaming cat population management , and my experience with them could not be better.
I greatly admire ACC&D President Joyce Briggs' endless curiosity, enthusiasm for learning about scientific disciplines of relevance to cat and dog management, and her overall attention to detail when participating in collaborative research projects. She is an outstanding leader and wonderful project manager; our long-term project would not be where it is today without her diligence and persistent guidance.
I also have had the pleasure of working with Director of Programs, Valerie Benka. Val is also meticulous and very thoughtful about the work she does for ACC&D, and about the organization's responsibility for providing sound advice on this important issue. Her contributions to our cat management project have been excellent, allowing the scientific work to move forward in a more efficient manner.
The ACC&D Staff surround themselves with quality members of the Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board, lending significant credibility to the messages they deliver to the broad companion animal community. Speaking of delivering messages -- I think their website is first rate, providing easy access to a wealth of information on ACC&D's research and activities, products for pet owners, and literature resources for interested readers. All in all, a great resource.
I gladly recommend the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs as a leading nonprofit in the field of dog and cat population management -- bringing both science and humanity to a critically important field.
The ACC&D are the best resource in the world for all research and developments of non-surgical methods for sterilizing cats and dogs. They are incredibly helpful when connecting NGO's with others around the world who are focused on creating humane solutions for the over-population of cats and dogs. They have helped our network to grow immensely by engaging us with other NGOs with similar interests. Their role is crucial in the animal welfare field as we will not be able to succeed in our work to reduce cat and dog populations using only surgical means, it is like putting your finger in the dam. We need non-surgical methods to achieve our goals and ACC&D provide the guiding light towards that aim. They are encouraging, optimistic and very kind people who are focused on bringing together scientists, foundations, academics, animal protection advocates and the general public at large, to work together in order to share our experiences and collectively create and promote the most kind and effective strategies available to stop the problem at the source; breeding. Essentially, they give us all hope, the most crucial element for success. Thank you ACC&D team!
As CSO of a collaborating foundation, we have worked with the team and board
at ACC&D for over a decade. I have found the group to be incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to the cause of saving animal lives by helping in the goal of a non surgical sterilant. In the fertility research community, it is paramount for the folks involved to be candid. The ACC&D has been wonderful in this respect by utilizing their contacts in order to put people together that may have the answers to unanswered questions in the field.
The staff, Board of Directors, and Scientific Advisory Board of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs are comprised of truly stellar individuals who perform an incredible amount of work for companion animals every year. The quality of education that they provide at their symposia, the important research contributions that they make, and their eagerness to go above and beyond to foster connections and collaborations set ACC&D apart from their peers in the animal welfare world. ACC&D is an extremely important resource and an outstanding nonprofit!
ACC&D is an organization that has navigated the collaboration of multiple national and international organizations for the goal of non-surgical contraception. The leadership has done an amazing job of keeping the work moving forward, the stakeholder engaged and the animals' welfare in mind.
This is a small but hard working organisation that packs a punch way above its size.
I love being part of ACC&D. The opportunity to look forwards to the advent of non-surgical fertility tools that our field so desperately needs is inspiring, but to be part of paving the way for the success of these tools is an honour.
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I followed this non-profit for many years, joining the board of trustees just over 5 years ago. It has been truly inspirational to work with ACC&D's highly skilled and dedicated staff, board members and volunteers. It's a small organisation that packs a big punch. Staying true to its values and providing an intelligent and objective guiding light within a complex field. Non-surgical fertility control has the potential to completely transform how we manage dog and cat populations worldwide - and ACC&D will be the catalyst to get these tools into the field, with the welfare of the animals involved at the forefront of their minds.
The Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs is an outstanding non-profit doing the important work no other non-profit has had the expertise to tackle: Non-surgical contraception for cats and dogs. They are affiliated with veterinarians and scientists from around the world and every year improvements in the procedure are being made. We all know the objections veterinarians give who are asked to spay or neuter animals pro bono. . . surgery is too time-consuming, recovery time is too time-consuming and they cannot give away that much time and skill. That is why this non-profit is so important. . . . a simple injection with the recovery time of about 30 minutes and the pet population can be controlled around the world. The overpopulation of dogs and cats have plagued cities, towns, villages and pet lovers forever. Now we have THE SOLUTION! That is why this non-profit deserves recognition and the funding to educate veterinarians and the general public world-wide.
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I was privileged to volunteer for ACC&D's 2013 International Symposium on Non-Surgical Contraceptive Methods of Pet Population Control for Dogs and Cats. It was enlightening listening to veterinarian research scientists from all over the world giving their presentations and how the drug Zeuterin had been researched and tested. At that time it was proven successful to be used as a canine neutering drug. Additionally, other scientists reported on their progress in researching the use of it for spaying dogs and neutering and spaying cats.
After the 3-day symposium, I also volunteered at the clinic where many international veterinarians administered Zeuterin to over 20 male dogs. The process was extremely fast and humane. The dogs came into the process area, had the procedure done and went home under their own power within the hour; no surgery, pain or lengthy recovery.
Many organizations are cooperating to reduce the pet population and that is wonderful. However, because of ACC&D's innovation and resolve, this non-surgical way of reducing the pet population is easier, more humane and less costly. ACC&D not only contributes to the reduction, they are the leader in the field and continue to promote scientific research to make certain that surgery, for this purpose, will become a thing of the past. President Joyce Briggs and her Board of Directors have made a once-upon-a-time dream become reality.
Sonya Wedin
Portland, OR
ACC&D is passionate, forward-thinking and fearless in its efforts to advance non-surgical sterilization of cats and dogs and to improve animal well-being globally. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with the organization as well as contract for an short-term editorial project, and have kept current on developments through the excellent e-newsletter and other communications. The ACC&D staff, Board, stakeholders and scientific advisors and community supporters are to be commended for their dedication to innovation and action in addressing non-surgical solutions to the worldwide problem of animal overpopulation.
ACC&D is equally committed to advancing animal welfare and promoting rigorous research standards; their science is as strong as their passion. Every member of the team I have had the privilege to collaborate with, from board members to scientific advisors to organizational partners, has been thoughtful, innovative, and dedicated to furthering a common goal: saving animal lives by helping to develop humane and effective solutions to reduce canine and feline overpopulation on a global scale. ACC&D's work has the potential to positively impact not only companion animal populations, but also human communities living alongside free-roaming cats and dogs.
ACC&D is a cutting edge animal welfare organization dedicated to advancing non-surgical sterilization of cats and dogs as means to effectively and humanely addressing overpopulation. I have worked with them at various stages, from program planning to applied research, from brainstorming of ideas to implementation of practices. They are forward-thinking, collaborative, and world-class problem solvers. The future of animal welfare is in innovation and leveraging technologies to provide affordable and humane solutions in widely divergent settings, from rural to urban, from wealthy to impoverished. ACC&D embraces the challenge of bringing experts from vastly different fields and perspectives to the task.
There is no non-profit I know of that is more committed to the principle of pursuing positive change through the development of rigorous knowledge and its intelligent application. The people involved are top notch scientists and animal welfare professionals with a commitment to helping this critical field move forward, and they operate with the highest level of integrity and transparency.
In my 30 years of work as an animal welfare professional I've followed the work of ACC & D since its inception and joined this organization as a board member 6 months ago.The work done by ACC & D fills a significant gap in the fabric of animal protection efforts to reduce pet over-population in the United States and throughout the world by providing research-based recommendations for promising new technologies and funding cutting edge research. The organization provides expert advice in the field for new initiatives and as a thought-leader on the relative value of various research and new product claims. The board is largely comprised of highly regarded scientists in this field and management has a long and distinguished history in the field of animal protection. The organization is extremely sensitive to donor dollars and minimizing costs.
The mission of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats & Dogs is to advance non-surgical fertility control so as to effectively and humanely reduce the number of unwanted cats and dogs in the world. I have been on their Board of Directors for nine years, and have been amazed how hard ACC&D works to raise awareness of the concept of non-surgical fertility control. Imagine a world where the wide use of non-surgical sterilants betters the lives of dogs and cats. ACC&D is working to help that become a reality. ACC&D is a leader in advocating for research and implementation of non-surgical sterilization, and they base this work in sound science. We leverage partnerships and networks for the good of the cause, and act with integrity in all processes and relationships. I am extremely proud to be part of this outstanding organization!