Humane Society of Huron Valley: Trap, Neuter, Return

Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR)

HSHV's Trap, Neuter, and Return Program aims to reduce the overpopulation of feral cats while supporting a higher quality of life and reducing unnecessary euthanasia of feral cats.

What is Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR)?

Trap, Neuter, and Return, also known as TNR, is exactly what it sounds like. All the cats in the colony are humanely trapped, in live traps, then brought to the shelter. This can be performed by the colony caretaker, HSHV volunteers or HSHV staff.

Once the cats are at the shelter they are sterilized, ear tipped for recognition, vaccinated against the rabies virus, and all females are treated with a dose of penicillin, to aid in the healing process from surgery. After the cat is sterilized it stays at HSHV overnight to recuperate from surgery. Cats are then returned to their original habitat. Colony caretakers continue to provide food and monitor the health of the colony.

TNR is the only method proven to be humane and effective at controlling feral cat population growth. The goal of any community cat management program is to maximize the quality of life for the cats, to eliminate the existing colony over time through attrition, and to elevate the worth of community cats, and cats in general, through education and awareness.

Did You know:

• Over 7,000 cats have been spayed and neutered since HSHV began TNR
• 1,000 cats last year alone were spayed and neutered
• The number of stray and abandoned kittens  into the shelter has dropped 23%

Click here to view a community map that shows you all the areas that the HSHV Community Cat Program has successfully preformed TNR services.

Questions?
Please contact our Community Cat Coordinator at (734) 661-3523 or email brittanyk@hshv.org