Trap, Neuter & Return

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA's 2011 Trap, Neuter & Return (TNR) program will help control the overpopulation of feral cats in downtown Hamilton. Our goal is to sterilize approximately 600 cats this year, an increase over the 587 cats we sterilized in 2010.

Due to overwhelming demand, we are not able to accept new applications at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

For tips on how to humanely deal with the feral cats in your neighbourhood, please click here.

Q. What is a feral cat?

A. A feral cat is any cat that is un-owned. Feral cats have little or no interaction with humans.

The cats will be humanely trapped, Rabies vaccinated, micro-chipped, ear-tipped and spayed or neutered. The cats will then be returned to the colony they came from or, if they are suitable pets, they will be adopted into forever homes.

Q. Why is TNR important?

A. TNR is important because euthanasia due to homelessness is the #1 cause of death for cats. Also, cats are very good at reproducing. Kittens as young as 3 months can become pregnant and on average, female cats will have 2.2 litters per year or 15 kittens!

The program will focus on Hamilton's downtown core - Burlington Street South to Lawrence Road, west to Sherman Avenue South and along to Ottawa Street East. There is an estimated 1200-1400 unaltered feral cats in the area.

This program will help the community in many ways, such as:

• Reduce reproduction of feral cat colonies
• Increase number of Rabies vaccinated feral cats in the colony
• Reduce nuisance complaints of cat fighting, noise and urine odor
• Reduce injuries to cats due to aggression
• Reduce FeLV, improve feral cat health and overall temperment
• Colonies will be monitored going forward by HBSPCA volunteers
• Reduce the number of cats picked up and euthanized by Hamilton Animal Services

Q. Why do you ear-tip the cats?

A. A tipped ear is the universal symbol for a sterilized, Rabies vaccinated feral cat.

How you can help

Volunteers will receive training from the HBSPCA. We are looking for volunteers to help us in the following areas:

Colony caregivers

• Feed and monitor cats in the colony
• Trap cats in advance of the spay/neuter day

Due to overwhelming demand, we are not able to accept new applications at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Volunteer Drivers

• Transport cats from colony location to assigned vet clinics, return cats to colony following surgery

Canvassing Volunteers

• Teams of canvassing volunteers will go door-to-door in the target area to educate community members on the HBSPCA Trap, Neuter & Return program and the Spay/Neuter Community Assistance program

HBSPCA Volunteers

• Assist with processing applications, communication with HBSPCA staff, volunteers and participating veterinary clinics

 If you are interested in volunteering in our TNR program, please contact our program coordinator, Erika Offel at 905-574-7722, ext. 309 and complete our volunteer application.

Volunteer Application form (144.6 KB) 

With thanks to our sponsors and supporters:

Participating Veterinary Clinics:

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