Animal Welfare Professionals

Good morning, 

I am the sole Animal Control Officer in our city of about 5k. We have a huge feral cat issue in the fact that very very few are actually fixed. There are approximately 6 locations that were previously used as "colonies" and never maintained. We do have an ordinance that was never enforced and now it's becoming a major problem.  I am now faced with some challenges that I would love everyone's input on. 

1. We have only one vet in our city and its a waiting game to get in for spay/neuter.
2. We have nowhere for these cats to go if trapped.
3. We do not have anywhere to transport these cats if and when trapped.

Again, we are on the coastal bend in south Texas, and I am looking for solutions to manage these issues without causing issues in the community by having to euthanize to control this issue. Any and all advice is welcomed.

#CommunityCatManagement

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Noah Hendrixson
Animal Control Officer
City of Palacios Animal Care Services
TX
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This is tough! I don't see how one vet could keep up with how fast these babies are breeding. It seems there are several nonprofit organizations that travel to different cities and towns that may not have local resources to help with Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for stray and feral cats. I'd reach out to all of these and see if they can help get something mobile going! 

1. Alley Cat Allies: A national advocate for TNR and community cats, Alley Cat Allies often partners with local organizations and provides support, resources, and training for TNR programs across the United States. While they don't have a mobile unit, they are instrumental in organizing and supporting local TNR efforts.

2. The Feral Cat Coalition: This organization operates primarily on the West Coast and travels to various locations to provide TNR services. They often set up temporary clinics in different communities to perform spay/neuter surgeries and offer vaccinations for feral cats.

3. Operation Catnip: Based in Florida, this nonprofit offers high-volume spay/neuter services for community cats and occasionally partners with other organizations to bring their services to different areas. They also provide training to veterinarians and volunteers to expand TNR efforts.

4. SpayUSA: A program of North Shore Animal League America, SpayUSA is a nationwide referral service that helps connect people with affordable spay/neuter resources, including mobile TNR clinics that travel to underserved areas.

5. TrapKing Humane Cat Solutions: This organization, founded by Sterling Davis, travels across the country to assist with TNR efforts, promote humane care for feral cats, and educate communities about the importance of TNR. TrapKing often partners with local groups to provide hands-on TNR assistance.

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Kelly Sheehan
Communications & Development Manager
Heaven Can Wait Animal Society
NV
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Hi Noah;

      When you say you have one vet in your city can you clarify?  How many public and private practice veterinarians are there within 60 miles of your location?

It looks like you have some support from Best Friends maybe- 

If this was my situation I would work to get a team together that is interested in helping stop cat overpopulation by starting some mash style clinics like this:  https://mrfrs.org/sunday-feral-clinics/

In the process I would focus on the 6 colonies and get all of them trapped as mass trapping efforts- do you have estimated number of cats and are the cats being feed in a best practice manner.  Feel free to share Colony Caretaking Tips and Tricks video. 

Then  I would work with private practice vets and to set up owned cat neutering events.  Something that pays them 50% above cost- the public will need to pay that amount.  

Then I would build in a sustainable s/n business model clinic that can support the needs of the community and be revenue positive or break even. 

What is your population and median income in your town?

Thanks, Stacy

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Stacy LeBaron
Head Cat
The Community Cats Podcast
Warren VT
978-239-2090
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Hello Noah,

We are also an Animal Control location for our county of 47k. We have the same issues. Our assigned vet only does neuters so, we are lacking in the spay area. The cost is so high for those who trap on their own property like our farmers. We are trying to work with our local trap and release program but they are also overwhelmed. We have animals traveling to surrounding communities to get reduced spay/neuter. Thank you for bringing light to the situation because it isn't just in TX. 

Stephenson Co. Animal Control, IL 

Kelsey

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Kelsey McDonough
Animal Control Administrative Assistant
Stephenson County Animal Control
IL
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