Operation S.O.S.
(Spay Our Strays)
Community Cat
Trap-Neuter-Return Program
This program was implemented to prevent the continuing problem of cat overpopulation and the shelter intake of feral or un-owned community cats in Lee County for euthanasia. In the past all feral cats entering Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) were euthanized. Now a non-lethal, more humane solution is offered – Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR). This method is considered to be the most effective way to improve the quality of life for feral cats; reduce their numbers; and address wildlife, public health, and environmental issues attributed to feral cats.
The process involves:
1. Contacting LCDAS at 533-9234 to leave a message to schedule an appointment(s). Due to high call volume someone will return your call within five business days. The procedure includes sterilization, rabies vaccine, and microchip ID. The cost is free (TNR cats only), however, donations are always appreciated and help us continue to offer the program for more cats and caretakers. Caretakers who are willing to take an extra cat that may not have a colony in which to return will also help to keep this program available.
The following services are available for TNR cats in addition to sterilization, rabies vaccine and microchip ID for a fee:
FIV/FELV Testing - $15.00
Flea Treatment - $10.00
Deworming - $10.00
2. Feral cats must be housed in approved humane traps that can be borrowed with a refundable deposit from LCDAS. Please note the caretaker may bring carriers to their surgery appointment to transport the feral cats home after surgery leaving the humane trap at LCDAS. Proper trapping will be explained by staff members if necessary when picking up borrowed traps. Please note all cats must be housed in approved humane traps for the safety of our staff – no exceptions.
3. Place a towel or blanket over the trap when the cat is caught to keep the cat calm during transport for surgery.
4. Feral cats are sterilized, vaccinated for rabies, implanted with a microchip ID, and the left ear is tipped as the universal sign the TNR program before being returned to its colony. Please note LCDAS recommends not releasing feral sterilized cats until the following afternoon to provide recovery process from the effects of anesthesia. Please be sure to utilize a safe and comfortable place for recovery until being released the following day. There should be no food or water given until the following day to prevent vomiting and choking. Please be advised that to prevent suffering from non-treatable injuries or illness, feral cats may be humanely euthanized which is determined by the licensed veterinarian.
5. The dedicated caretakers provide on-going care (food, water, shelter, and medical attention) and trap newcomers for TNR. LCDAS can provide cat food supplies, if necessary, through the Community Pet Pantry Program. Please consult with a staff member to sign-up for this program.
6. No licensing is required and no impoundment or daily board fees are charged if the cat is returned to the caretaker through detection of the microchip.
What are the benefits of TNR? With TNR there are no more kittens. The colony numbers are gradually reduced, annoying behaviors of mating cats such as yowling, fighting and urine marking stop. But most of all it saves lives since there are not enough homes for all the kittens born each year.
Why eradication doesn’t work! Cats breed prolifically out of control and faster than you can trap for eradication. Trapping and removing cats allows for other new cats to re-populate the same area. This is known as the "Vacuum Effect.” TNR is a more humane, non-lethal and proven successful method for reducing cat population.
BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION BY PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION S.O.S.