Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D)
Innovation to save lives
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
We are committed to reducing populations of homeless and unwanted cats and dogs. We are steadfast supporters of traditional surgical spaying and neutering. We recognize, though, that this approach cannot fully stem the numbers of unwanted litters of cats and dogs born each year—and as a result these animals face the threat of homelessness, abuse, or death. Some communities do not have the necessary resources for safe animal sterilization surgery. They may lack skilled veterinary surgeons, surgical supplies (such as sterile equipment, gas anesthesia, and pain medications), and recovery space. Some animals cannot safely receive anesthesia, whether due to congenital conditions or the poor health that often comes from living on the street. Some pet owners and communities resist surgical sterilization due to fear or social and cultural expectations, and many struggle to pay for the procedure. Many animal shelters seek ways to more effectively use scant resources.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Education and outreach regarding non-surgical sterilants
One of ACC&D’s primary goals is to serve as an independent resource for scientifically-sound information about available and developing non-surgical sterilants for animal welfare and veterinary stakeholders worldwide. As such, we exhibit and present at national and international conferences, publish quarterly e-newsletters, and contribute material to the World Continuing Education Alliance’s Veterinarian Education Network. We also have a Resource Library on our website which includes our ebook on contraception and fertility control in cats and dogs, our Product Profile and Position Papers, legislative information and more. We also conduct periodic international symposia and think tanks on pressing topics.
Flagship Initiative: Population modeling for feral cat population management
In December 2014, an ACC&D-convened team published a journal article in PLOS ONE on results to date of our population dynamics computer simulation model for free-roaming cats. The goal of the modeling is to provide better guidance to programs working to humanely manage free-roaming cat populations. The model compares a three-year contraceptive as an alternative to permanent sterilization and concludes that this is a viable option, especially as a supplement to surgical sterilization. We are currently in the midst of the second phase of the project, which is devoted to: 1) incorporating economics into our population model and, in doing so, offering more “real life” applicability and 2) advising on different profiles of long-term contraceptives.
Flagship Initiative: Female cat contraceptive development
The National Wildlife Research Center (NWRC) developed a non-surgical contraceptive vaccine called “GonaCon,” which has been approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for contraception of female white-tailed deer and female wild horses/burros. Although approval is limited to these species at present, the vaccine has been found to be effective in multiple species of mammals. Prior studies of efficacy and duration in female cats have been very promising, and in 2015-2016 we conducted a long-term study of the immunocontraceptive vaccine in a simulated free-roaming cat colony. For more information on this study please visit our website.
Flagship Initiative: Identifying dogs and cats non-surgically contracepted or sterilized
How does one identify a dog or a cat contracepted or sterilized non-surgically? Traditional spay/neuter surgery requires anesthesia, and as such, it is possible to humanely tattoo, “tip” or notch the ear to indicate sterilization. One of the benefits of non-surgical fertility methods, however, is not having to use anesthesia, but how, then, does one humanely identify sterilization status? In a 2013 Think Tank hosted by ACC&D on the topic, participants suggested a “21st Century” ear tag, which, in conjunction with Cornell University’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future, ACC&D has since been developing and trialing. Please see our website for more information.
Where we work
External reviews
Photos
Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of leading national and international organizations providing significant financial support to ACC&D
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
The ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, HSUS, Int'l Cat Care, Maddie's Fund, Petco Foundation, PetSmart Charities, Regina Bauer Frankenberg Foundation, Baker Foundation Alley Cat Allies, IFAW.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
The mission of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D) is to advance nonsurgical fertility control so as to effectively and humanely reduce unwanted cat and dog populations. We envision a world where the widespread use of non-surgical sterilants betters the lives of animals and humans alike.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
To achieve our mission, ACC&D advocates for research to develop new methods of non-surgical sterilization for dogs and cats, provides scientifically sound and animal welfare-oriented resources to stakeholders about this field, supports the appropriate distribution of available products suitable for the humane control of cat and dog populations, and facilitates research on topics relevant to the application, acceptance, and use of non-surgical fertility control methods.
ACC&D has held five International Symposia and six Think Tanks since 2005, convening diverse individuals and organizations from around the world to advance non-surgical sterilization and related topics. We have three Flagship Initiatives, which include the study of a promising contraceptive vaccine for female cats, an ear-marker as a means of identification of non-surgical sterilization, and a computer simulation model to better achieve population reduction goals. Our online Resource Library provides educational materials on non-surgical sterilization, including our e-book, Contraception and Fertility Control in Dogs and Cats, product profile and position papers, and relevant legislative information.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
ACC&D prides itself on accomplishing a great amount with a small, dedicated staff. Our committed and engaged Board of Directors brings stature, contacts, and expertise in animal welfare, pharmaceutical development, wildlife population management, veterinary medicine, and more. Our 13-member Scientific Advisory Board contributes additional relevant expertise. Our Council of Stakeholders also provides leadership, guidance and financial support to advance non-surgical sterilization options for dogs and cats. Organizations represented on the Council have access to educate a wide audience of pet owners, advocates, and veterinary and animal sheltering professionals who seek new options for the animals in their care.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
ACC&D has come a long way since 2000 when three individuals, Drs. Henry Baker, Stephen Boyle, and Brenda Griffin, recognized the need for more non-surgical contraceptive options for dogs and cats, as well as the need for more collaboration in order to see progress. Since then, ACC&D has established an impressive and effective Board of Directors and Scientific Advisory Board, garnered support from a Council of Stakeholders with global representation, and attracted significant R&D funding to the field. ACC&D has held five International Symposia, six Think Tanks, launched three Flagship Initiatives, and gathered substantial resources on non-surgical sterilization.
We are in a marathon, not a sprint. Dogs and cats are exceptionally good at reproducing. The first sterilant for male dogs, introduced by a small animal health company, has been challenged to find its place in the market, for a variety of reasons. Some initiatives by other entrepreneurs have challenged ACC&D to serve as a watchdog for this field. We have learned from these experiences as the next generation/s of products in this emerging category are in development, helping guide potential for their use to greatly transform the humane management of dog and cat populations worldwide.
Financials
Unlock nonprofit financial insights that will help you make more informed decisions. Try our monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights?
Learn more
about GuideStar Pro.
Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs (ACC&D)
Board of directorsas of 01/18/2024
Dr. Elly Hiby, PhD
International Companion Animal Management Coalition Scientific Coordinator
Betsy Banks Saul, MS
HEAL House Call
Joyce R Briggs, MS
ACC&D
G. Robert Weedon, DVM, MPH
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
Kevin Morris, PhD
Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Univ. of Denver
John Boone, PhD
Great Basin Bird Observatory; SPCA of Northern Nevada; HSI, HSUS, GARC
Amy Nichols
Kinship
Pam Runquist
The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
Phillip Nelson, DVM, PhD
Western University of Health Sciences
Lauren Overman
ASPCA