Building a Humane Pandemic Response feat. Kristen Beitzel, CVPM, VP of Medical Services for East Bay SPCA

Kristen Beitzel, VP of Medical Services at East Bay SPCA, joins podcast host Andrew Southern on this episode of Redesigning Normal. The East Bay SPCA is a nonprofit shelter that provides medical services, fostering and adoption, and humane education programs for pet owners and communities in California’s Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

When the pandemic began, East Bay built its response plan on one non-negotiable principle: no team members would be laid off. The organization changed business processes and adjusted hours to make this goal a reality. Kristen describes how new curbside care models, remote behavioral classes, and other business changes made this possible.

You’ll learn how Covid restrictions positively impacted the adoption process, resulting in fewer animal returns. Kristen also shares how the pandemic contributed to veterinary talent shortages, the challenges of implementing vaccination policies, and what it means to be a Fear Free Certified animal care professional.

After you listen, connect with Kristen Beitzel, CVPM on LinkedIn. Learn more about East Bay by visiting EastBaySPCA.org and following on Twitter @EastBaySPCA. Interested in fostering an animal? View East Bay’s available animals on Trello.

This episode of Redesigning Normal is brought to you by Invisible Health Technologies.