Getting Started . . .

Reach out to a WAAG representative for assistance. We'll need to know the location, how many cats are involved and how able or willing you are to help in the process. There are a lot of moving parts involved and it will be helpful if your schedule is flexible. We will do our best to coordinate a plan that works for everyone who will be involved.

WAAG networks with many local veterinary clinics in an effort to reduce the over population of feral cat colonies throughout our community. We can research the current dates available for spay/neuter appointments, costs involved and present you with options. Many times there is no cost involved, however, donations to the clinic are ALWAYS appreciated. If by chance there should be a required fee, WAAG offers discount vouchers to help offset those expenses. Our discount vouchers can be used at the vet of your choice.

Once you have a confirmed surgery appointment with a vet we can move forward with the TNR process.

YOU MUST HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A VETERINARY CLINIC BEFOREHAND! NO EXCEPTIONS!

• 4-5 DAYS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

  You will need one trap per cat scheduled. WAAG can get traps if you don't have any available to use. If we are granted access to your property, WAAG will place the traps 4-5 days before the actual trapping, so the cats become less wary of the traps and simply see it as the place to get their food.

• THE DAY BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

  You will need to REMOVE any food at this point, water is OK. We want the cats hungry so they will be more likely to enter the trap for their food and they need to fast before surgery. The traps will be set the afternoon/evening before your scheduled appointment, in hopes that all trapping is completed by 10pm. Trapped cats need to be transferred (in the trap) to a safe, warm place, away from the weather and any other animals, overnight. Ensure that the traps are covered at all times, as this helps keep the cats calm.

• APPOINTMENT DAY

  The cats will be transported to the veterinary clinic for your scheduled spay/neuter appointment. Cats will need to be picked up the same afternoon.

• RETURN HOME and RECOVERY

  You'll be given after-surgery care instructions before leaving the clinic. Generally the cats should be kept in a safe, warm, quiet space in their traps overnight to rest, then released back into their colony in the morning.

MORE OF A DO-IT-YOURSELFER?

We've compiled some "TNR Tips & Tricks" that have proven to be helpful, in addition to the same basic schedule as above. We've learned that it takes patience and practice, so if you don't succeed . . . try, try again! If you should need additional help or guidance, WAAG is always available to help make your TNR a successful one!