Starting a Trap-Neuter-Return Program

For Shelters & Others - Why and How TNR Benefits Communities

Starting a TNR program sometimes starts small… one person, one trap, one compassionate veterinarian.

Widely recognized animal welfare organizations and other respected groups are excellent resources for guidance on TNR (TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN) issues for animal control officials and community leaders who may be unfamiliar with them.

You can help your cause by reviewing the information provided below and showing that TNR has strong mainstream support and outcomes that support the adoption of TNR policies within their community.

The Return-to-Field Handbook from Neighborhood Cats is a nuts and bolts guide to setting up and administering a return-to-field (RTF) program. RTF is a life-saving program for free-roaming cats turned into open-admission shelters. In the past, these cats were routinely euthanized if they were feral or otherwise unadoptable. With RTF, the cats, if they're healthy and thriving, are spayed or neutered, ear-tipped for identification, and released back into their home territories.

Community cats: scientific studies and data - Current science shows trap/neuter/return (TNR) as a valuable tool in managing community cat populations at the local level. From The Humane Society/HumanePro

Persuading Municipal Officials to Go With TNR - a PDF from Petsmart Charities

Learn more about TNR Ordinances and view some samples from Neighborhood Cats

Tracking your Community Cat Program with Field & Community Services from ShelterLUV. The first map-based software solution for tracking all the work your team does in the community.

How to Start a Feral Cat Program from Maddie’s Fund

How to Implement an Organizational Trap-Neuter-Program from Alley Cat Allies

How to Start a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program in Your Community - conference recording - YouTube video of the 2013 ASPCA/Maddie's® Shelter Medicine Conference

ASPCApro - Provides Feral Cat Sterilization Protocols to share with new veterinarians providing TNR services as well as general information and resources for Community Cats

High-Quality, High-Volume Spay and Neuter Clinic Guide from Alley Cat Allies.

Special Considerations and Equipment Necessary for Handling a Feral Cat from Alley Cat Allies.

Protocols: Spay and Neuter Surgery from Alley Cat Allies

Feral Cat Sterilization Guidelines from the ASPCA

Veterinary Resource Center from Alley Cat Allies.

Veterinary Medical Care Guidelines for Spay-Neuter Programs from the Association of Shelter Veterinarians

Tips for veterinary care during trap-neuter-return from HumanePro

Special Considerations for Community Cats at S/N Clinics Guide from ASPCAPro

Protecting Community Cats - a publication of the No Kill Advocacy Center

Managing Community Cats: A Guide for Municipal Leaders - from Animal Sheltering. Endorsed by the International City/County Management Association, this guide is designed for community officials and outlines humane and effective solutions for managing populations of community cats.

Understanding Your Local Government & Animal Control from Alley Cat Allies.

Animal Control Officers talk about Trap, Neuter and Return TNR

Implementing a Community Trap-Neuter-Return Program - from The Humane Society

Nurturing the roots of TNR - With a small investment, shelters can empower everyday people to tackle the community cat challenge. From HumanePro

Cats and the Law: Finding and Understanding Your Laws from Alley Cat Allies

Texas Law Protects Animals from Abuse and Neglect - read what the SPCA says about animal cruelty laws in Texas

How to Lobby for TNR - from Best Friends

TNR Action Kit - from Best Friends

Lifesaving Library from Best Friends

No Kill Resolution Guidelines - from Best Friends

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is Not Abandonment—And Local Laws Must Reflect It from Alley Cat Allies

Creating Fundraising Appeals that Work from Alley Cat Allies

How TNR Reduces Nuisance Complaints About Cats - From Best Friends

Become Cats’ Most Powerful Advocate - a Webinar from Alley Cats Allies, January 2018

Feral Cats, TNR, and the Law - created by Neighborhood Cats

HumanePro - The Future of TNR Training

Find links for Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics here from Neighborhood Cats.

Looking to build a Foster Program? Check this out from Maddie’s Fund!

For more information, visit this Advocacy page on the Neighborhood Cats website. You will find sample flyers, links to guides and presentations, info from public health agencies, and more.

And from Best Friends: Fact vs. Fiction: What Every Wildlife Professional Should Know About Free-Roaming Cats

May not be currently active: Supporting Community Cats, Community Level - When You’re an Outlaw: Persuading Municipal Officials to Implement TNR - a video presentation from HumanePRO. Sign up for free to access materials on their site.

And from SPAY USA:

We feel that the feral cat problem will best be solved at a grassroots level, with each city, town or county developing its own Cat Project. Many models exist already. These Cat Action Teams need to

• Find veterinarians interested in helping solve the problem and willing to learn the techniques of safely spaying/neutering these wild creatures.

• Recruit and train volunteers to trap cats.

• Establish guidelines and procedures for aftercare and long term maintenance

• Educate local officials about the problem and the solution

  Read more

“Collectively, our goal is to eliminate the free-roaming cat population and decrease the spread of rabies in our communities. The only approach that has proven effective is conducting large-scale, targeted sterilization and vaccination programs that result in healthier cats and healthier communities.” DR. KARYL RATTAY, DIRECTOR, DELAWARE DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH