FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM–9:30 AM
Gary Weitzman
DVM, MPH, CAWA
Dr. Gary Weitzman joined San Diego Humane Society as president and CEO in 2012. A certified animal welfare administrator, he has served as chair of the board of the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement and is currently serving as a board member for California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), Shelter Animals Count, and Mama’s Kitchen, a San Diego nonprofit committed to providing food for people with chronic illnesses. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Dr. Weitzman earned a master’s degree in international public health from Boston University, and his DVM degree from Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
Bridging the Gap: Expanding Access to Care and High-Volume Spay/Neuter
Much of the country is facing a persistent pet overpopulation crisis, with shelters overwhelmed by stray and surrendered animals—and by animals, we mean dogs. While spay/neuter programs have significantly reduced euthanasia rates over the years, limited access to veterinary care and sterilization remains a major obstacle. Many pet owners—especially in underserved communities—struggle to afford or access veterinary care, leading to unplanned litters, overcrowded shelters, disrupted families, and increased euthanasia.
Expanding high-volume spay/neuter services and advancing non-surgical sterilization methods are critical to tackling this challenge. This keynote presentation will explore barriers to veterinary care, the urgent need for high volume spay/neuter programs, and innovative, non-surgical sterilization solutions on the horizon that have the potential to revolutionize our approach to animal population management and welfare. Finally, participants will be shown ways they can help solve the problem facing so many shelters and practices in their states.