TRAP NEUTER RETURN
Good for our community! Good for cats!
(en español)
Trap Neuter Return is a process in which community cats (cats living outside) are humanely trapped and sterilized by veterinarians. After recovery, they are released back to the EXACT location in which they were trapped. Not only does TNR put an end to the cycle of breeding, removing cats would merely open up territory for new ones to move in. This is known as the ‘vacuum effect’. In some places, cats that cant be adopted are just destroyed when turned in to shelters. TNR is the most humane and ONLY proven effective long term solution in reducing cat populations.
If you or someone in your neighborhood is looking for ways to keep community cats off of their property, please consider this lengthy list of options for Humane Cat Deterrents.
The Pima Animal Care Center’s Community Cat Program
November 1st – 3rd SNIP and TIP Free spay/neuter for OUTDOOR cats.
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N SIlverbell. Available to all Pima County Unowned Outdoor Cats and kittens, no limit.
If you’re seeing unfixed outdoor cats in your area, this is your chance to get them fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped for free! (Not sure if they’re fixed? Look for the ear tip!)
Sign up for your FREE appointment here: https://waitwhile.com/locations/snipntip!
NEED TO BORROW A TRAP? Contact PACC’s Community Cat Program by emailing communitycats@pima.gov!
Pima Animal Care Center has a locally funded Community Cat Trap Neuter Return Program. Consider calling or writing as a point of contact for questions regarding free-roaming neighborhood cats, humane trap loan, information on participating no or low cost clinics for spay/neuter of feral and Community Cats and assistance with trapping and transport. email: CommunityCats@pima.gov or call (520) 724-5983.
The Human Society of Southern Arizona Community Cat Program
TNR is by appointment only. Cats must be in humane traps for TNR services – no crates or carriers. If you are trapping yourself, please call our clinic at (520) 881-0321 to determine surgery availability based on your planned trapping schedule. You must make an appointment BEFORE trapping cats. HSSA will work with all trappers to determine a convenient surgery date for the trapper based on our surgery availability. At this time we cannot accept unscheduled cats for TNR. If you need assistance with trapping and transport, you can contact the Community Cat Program by email communitycats@hssaz.org or call (520) 327-6088 x186.
HSSA also hosts The Southern Arizona Community Cat Coalition which includes regular meetings (join by zoom or in person), a newsletter, weekly group trapping events (for the experienced or for newbies) and other educational or fun events with like minded friends! For more info or to join/participate go to their private Facebook page or contact their Community Cat Program: communitycats@hssaz.org or call(520) 327-6088 x186.
Happy Tails TNR and Animal Rescue
TNR assistance in the greater Tucson area and foster/adoption service for kittens born in a community cat colony. Website and contact form. happytailsaz@gmail.com (520) 481-5794
PAWS PATROL (Green Valley)
TNR service in Green Valley, Sahuarita and Nogales. 650 W. Camino Casa Verde Suite 120. (520) 207-4024. Open Tues-Saturday 10am to 2pm. https://www.greenvalleypawspatrol.org/
FREE SPAY/NEUTER for FERAL/OUTDOOR CATS
Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic (Marana and Sahuarita residents see next entry)
FREE Feral cat spay and neuter Monday-Friday. There are various dates each month that don’t have surgery available so do make sure they will be open a day or two before you set traps (and/or check the facebook page for Asavet Charities). August 2024 blackout dates: 9/2, 9/18 and 9/25. Call or check Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic facebook page for information/updates . Not available to Marana/Sahuarita residents. (520) 889-9644.
How it works: Drop off in a secure trap or kennel between 9am-11am and pick up the next day at 9am.
(Update- Friday drop offs will need to be picked up friday night and kept in their trap overnight for full recovery). Surgery includes Spay/Neuter, PRC & Rabies vaccine, fluids, left ear tip to prove sterilization, and any medical treatments that are deemed necessary by the doctor.
Feral cat MEDICAL care is also available for free. Donations are greatly appreciated. No appointment is needed. Drop off between 9am-11am. If immediate medical attention is needed and falls outside of the drop off time please contact us before arriving.
Humane Society of Southern Arizona (including residents of Marana, Sahuarita and other counties beyond Pima)
HSSA has TNR availability on Mondays for volunteer trappers or public trappers. Cats can be dropped off between 6 – 8:30 am the morning of. Pick up is the same day at 3 pm (if you have space to hold them overnight), OR, the following morning between 8 – 8:30 am (this is flexible). Must be coordinated in advance! TNR only. Email afahey@hssaz.org. Our program is happy to lend traps and supplies to anyone who needs it. Cats must arrive in traps or wire carriers. More info here.
Trap Loan Resources
Don’t trap without a plan!
TO HELP YOU PLAN: Tucson TNR Advocates Resources
There is no cost to borrow traps, although each organization has a trap loan agreement and requires a per trap deposit that is refunded when the traps are returned.
To borrow humane traps for the purposes of TNR contact the following resources:
- Pima Animal Care Center (520) 724- 5983 or email CommunityCats@pima.gov
No trap loans from PACC Feb 13 – 23rd due to Santa Cruz closures. - Hermitage Cat Shelter: (520) 571-7839
- Pawsitively Cats (520) 289-2747
- The Last Resort (520) 792-9290
- Tucson CARES (520) 990-8912
- LOVAR in Oro Valley (520) 979-2282
- Humane Society of Southern Arizona (520) 327-6088 x 186
Other resources for feral cats TNR and support.
The Humane Society of Southern Arizona. Check the website for details and call the HSSA Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinic for more information: 520-881-0321. And for questions about moms and baby kittens you may call (520) 327-6088 x 186
Green Valley Paws Patrol for more information call 520- 207-4024
No Kill Pima County for medical assistance for community cats. Call 520-477-7401 for more information.
Spay and Neuter Solutions for more alters and medical support call (520) 247-6469
FREE cat food for cat colony caretakers at Cody’s Friends.