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Advice on starting a TNR program?

  • 1.  Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 06-22-2023 10:19 PM

    Hi all, first off, I am the founder of a funding nonprofit, I don't work for a shelter or rescue organization. I live in Lemoore, California, a rural area in the Central Valley. We are in need of serious help here and I'm thinking about trying to get a group together to get a handle on all the homeless cats and kittens, but I don't even know where to start. Obviously we'd have to find a vet, but do you have any other advice for me? There is a group called Friends of Kings County Animal Services, but they're not very active and they don't respond to me. Lemoore has a population of about 25,000 people and I've come across 4 areas where cats are being fed, mostly kittens actually. And several people have commented about stray cats around where they live, so I'd estimate at least 50 cats and kittens at the moment, obviously without TNR they will continue to procreate. 
    Are there any certain steps you would recommend I start with?


    #CommunityCatManagement

    ------------------------------
    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 06-24-2023 01:41 AM

    Aloha Johanna,

    Thank you for your caring concern for the cats and kittens in your area. Having a robust TNRM program will definitely help reduce the population as well as make for healthier cats.  Are there people in your community that like cats and want to help?  We have lots of people on the island that go out every day and night to feed their cat colonies. A couple of times a month, we have spay/neuter clinics. People  trap them and then take them to the clinic and care for them before releasing them.. Yes, you will need several vets who are willing to partner with you.  It does cost money for the meds and surgical supplies.  While you have them, I recommend that you vaccinate them too.  We have a group here called Cat Friends (https://www.hicatfriends.org/) I strongly recommend you reach out to Jennifer and ask her to tell you what you need to do start a successful TNR program in your community.

    Good luck!  Aloha,

    Holly



    ------------------------------
    Holly Holowach
    Founder/President
    Popoki Place O'ahu Cat Sanctuary
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 06-24-2023 11:26 AM

    Thank you, Holly!



    ------------------------------
    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 06-24-2023 05:33 PM

    Starting an effective TNVR program (there are a lot of ineffective ones out there) is at least a half hour discussion. Feel free to give me a ring on our support line and leave  your number and a good time to call if you'd like to chat. 301-886-0161 www.laurelcats.org

    Helen



    ------------------------------
    Helen Woods
    Flight Instructor
    Laurel Cats, Inc.
    Laurel MD
    ------------------------------



  • 5.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 06-24-2023 05:41 PM

    Thank you, Helen!



    ------------------------------
    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 01-26-2024 10:33 PM

    Johanna-

    I have been involved in TNVR for over 12 years in Raleigh, North Carolina.  I've also held seminars on the subject.  I have a power point presentation that I can send to you if you would find that helpful. 



    ------------------------------
    Gina Jennings
    Community Impact Dynamo
    SPCA Wake County
    ------------------------------



  • 7.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 01-27-2024 08:56 PM

    Hi Gina,

    I would be interested in seeing your PowerPoint presentation on TNR. Please send it to me at Holly@popokiplace.com.

    aloha from Hawaii,

    Holly



    ------------------------------
    Holly Holowach
    Founder/President
    Popoki Place O'ahu Cat Sanctuary
    HI
    ------------------------------



  • 8.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 01-28-2024 05:16 PM
      |   view attached

    Holly-

    I'm glad to provide this resource. I'm in the process of revising it but it's a great start for those that are interested in learning about TNVR and community cats.  I hope you find it useful!

    Thank you for being a part of the mission to reduce suffering through humane TNVR.  



    ------------------------------
    Gina Jennings
    Community Impact Dynamo
    SPCA Wake County
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    pptx
    2023TNVR (1) (1).pptx   1.43 MB 1 version


  • 9.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 01-29-2024 02:49 PM

    Thank you, Gina!  



    ------------------------------
    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------



  • 10.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 05:41 AM

    Johanna-

    Sorry for the delay in getting this to you.  Thank you for working with community cats.  They need help!  But, they can thrive with TNVR and proper caretaker maintenance. 

    Forum Admin Note:  This awesome resource is already saved in our forum library and can be accessed here. 

    ------------------------------
    Gina Jennings
    Community Impact Dynamo
    SPCA Wake County
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 01-31-2024 05:07 PM

    hello Johanna,

    Thank you for getting involved in TNR to help these unfortunate souls... So when I first started to volunteer for Coastside Feral Care, I contributed 6 humane traps and started to help regularly feeding these feral cats (same place and same time) so that they would get used to the routine to show up for their feedings. Then we would set the traps out.  We are fortunate in that in San Mateo County, we have a spay/neuter voucher program where the county would give out 6 vouchers/per individual per month to help get the feral cat population under control. We (my friends and I) would routinely call in for vouchers in preparation to trap newly dumped or new "not my" kitties that would should up at our feeding areas or reported on our NextDoor; then we would take them to local participating veterinarians and/or vet hospitals and give them the vouchers in exchange for their services (spay/neuter/shots). We would only release back those kitties that are just too feral to be rehabilitated and socialized, otherwise we would try to foster those that we think can live as house cats and try to find them forever homes once they are ready.

    Good luck and bless you for your big heart xoxo



    ------------------------------
    nicole skerry
    volunteer
    Fat Kitty City Humane Society
    CA
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-01-2024 05:08 AM

    I would also be interested in seeing the information you receive.  I also just started a non-profit -- also in a small town of 7,000 people and a county of 23,000.  We will be offering these services as well as spay and neuter.



    ------------------------------
    Karen Kirsch
    Founder
    Spayed and Aid
    KY
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 05:43 AM

    Karen-

    I'm happy to share the PowerPoint that I have.  If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

    Forum Admin Note: This awesome resource is already saved in our forum library and can be accessed here. 



    ------------------------------
    Gina Jennings
    Community Impact Dynamo
    SPCA Wake County
    ------------------------------



  • 14.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-04-2024 08:20 AM

    Thank you for sharing your slides 



    ------------------------------
    Gwen Harding-Peets
    Board Member, trapper, S/N certificate coordinator, adoption coordinator
    PANT
    Dutchess County, NY
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 04:52 PM

    I am willing to assist by providing you with information from Maddie's that they have given to me. If you prefer, I can also provide information in Spanish. Please share your email, and I will send the details to you.



    ------------------------------
    Myriam Martinez
    President
    Mujeres Latinas SC
    SC
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 05:37 PM

    I understand that we share a common journey. Like you, we have sought advice from other organizations and offered our time as volunteers, but unfortunately, we haven't always felt welcomed. It seems that being a new organization, led by women, and with a Latin background has posed challenges in gaining trust.

    Despite these difficulties, I've remained determined. We have not, and we've dedicated ourselves to educating our Hispanic community as much as possible. Actively participating in community events, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and even establishing our own website during the first year have been part of our efforts. The journey hasn't been easy, but through perseverance, most Hispanic organizations now recognize and understand the work we are doing.

    I'm incredibly proud that, despite the obstacles, we are now organizing our first TNR for the Hispanic community. I'd be happy to share some strategies we've employed to connect with and maintain the support of our community. Please let me know if you'd like more information.

    Best regards,



    ------------------------------
    Myriam Martinez
    President
    Mujeres Latinas SC
    SC
    ------------------------------



  • 17.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 11:43 PM

    Thank you, Myriam. I'm so happy you are finally having some success! 



    ------------------------------
    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------



  • 18.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-03-2024 07:33 AM

    We are in Tulsa, OK with a large Spanish speaking population.  We only have two women who can act as translators... the rest of us just muddle by.  So in your spare time... ha ha... because none of us have any... I would love to have copies of any basic explanations/handouts that you may have that you give to those in  Latinx communities. 

    My email address:  tulsatnr@gmail.com



    ------------------------------
    Samantha Polen
    Executive Director
    T-Town TNR, Inc.
    Tulsa OK
    https://www.ttowntnr.com/
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-03-2024 01:01 PM

    Bravo Mujeres Latinas SC for your perseverance and growing success!

    Trust is often hard-won in the animal welfare community, regardless of your background and differences.  Some groups are very insular and will never welcome anyone.  Others will bowl you over with their enthusiasm to put you to work!  In between are groups that will open more as they get to know you.  I hope you find many of them to collaborate with!

    Cheers for all you're doing!



    ------------------------------
    April King
    Volunteer and Board Member
    Kotor Kitties
    +1 206 407 5336
    http://www.kotorkitties.org
    ------------------------------



  • 20.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 06:55 PM

    Have you contacted the county shelter:  https://www.friendsofkcas.org/new-home-page

    I would start with finding out if there are any clinics doing low to no cost spay/neuter and get appointments asap.  I'm assuming you have traps.  

    SMART TNVR:

    We want to prevent additional kittens from being born and growing the colony size.  With that being said, you'll want to do your best to target trap.  While the best laid plans don't always work out, since cats don't cooperate, the following outlines the ideal trapping outcome.

    1. Pregnant cats are the main ones to be trapped.  Most clinics will and can spay pregnant cats. There isn't a cut off due to the stage of pregnancy. 
    2. Any female that has kittens over 3 months old.  
    3. Any female that is over 6 months old.  
    4. Adult males-over 1 year
    5. Any kitten over 4 months old

    Don't get caught up with the kittens and rescue.  It can be very hard and very sad, but getting the colony stabilized is going to prevent so much suffering.

    Fortunately it looks like you live in a county that is pro TNVR.

    I hope this helps! 



    ------------------------------
    Gina Jennings
    Community Impact Dynamo
    SPCA Wake County
    ------------------------------



  • 21.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-02-2024 11:46 PM

    Thank you, Gina. I have contacted the county shelter and FKCAS. They are a small group and do what they can, but they can't do it all.  There are so many factors that go into it, from finding a vet to getting volunteers to do the trapping, etc.  I haven't had much luck, but I'll keep trying. I appreciate all your feedback.



    ------------------------------
    Sincerely,
    Johanna Spielman
    Founder of Jamie Brianna's Legacy Fund
    https://jamiebriannaslegacyfund.org/
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Advice on starting a TNR program?

    Posted 02-04-2024 04:51 PM

    Thank you for all your ideas. Yes, we are still in search of veterinarians who can offer low-cost services for our TNR program.



    ------------------------------
    Myriam Martinez
    President
    Mujeres Latinas SC
    SC
    ------------------------------