TNR (Trap Neuter Return)

Trap Neuter Return (TNR) is a grant- and privately-funded program, offered by Helping Strays of Monroe County, whose goal is to stabilize and reduce the community cat (feral, semi-feral, and stray) population by spaying and neutering. Community cats are territorial, so after they are altered and returned, they will occupy the same space without reproducing and not letting new cats into the area.

How TNR program works: Residents of the county will trap the cats on their property (traps will be available on loan through Helping Strays) and bring them to the shelter for sterilization on a pre-arranged date. The cats will spend the night and have surgery the next day.  After surgery, being microchipped, and ear tipped, the cats will be returned to the resident who will release the cat(s) to the same area from which they were trapped.  The cats will also be ear-tipped so that they can be identified as altered.

Research shows that areas with this program in place experience a significant reduction in community cats within 1-2 years.  In addition, shelters and animal controls in those areas report a significant decrease in cat and kitten intakes when this program is in place. TNR does not have any affects on the wildlife population or other ecosystems in the area; everything remains the same except the cats are altered to prevent reproduction and new cats!

All costs to this program are covered by Helping Strays of Monroe County.  There will be a small deposit (refundable) when traps are on loan. In order to participate, residents will have to prove they reside in Monroe County and will have to call the shelter at (618) 939-7389 to schedule their TNR day. At that time, more information and instructions will be given.

Help us reduce the community cat population in Monroe County! We all know that this is an epidemic in some parts of the county. TNR will have a noticeable impact on the community cat population in a very short period of time.  The cats and community will be healthier for it!