The Municipality of the County of Annapolis has implemented a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in order to manage the population of feral cats within our County. This program involves humanely trapping feral cats, having them spayed or neutered at a local veterinary clinic, and then returning them to their original location to live out their lives. By doing so, we are effectively breaking the reproductive cycle, preventing the colony from increasing in numbers and allowing natural attrition as the current animals age. Additionally, trapped cats are tested for FIV and Feline Leukemia, and given primary and rabies vaccinations, thus reducing the risk of contracting or spreading these illnesses.

How does the program work?

Annapolis County citizens who find themselves sharing their property with feral cats can apply to the Trap-Neuter-Release Program.  If approved, the Applicant is loaned a live trap and provided with a Certificate which verifies their participation in the program and the number of cats to be altered. The Applicant then coordinates with one of the participating Veterinary Clinics for an appointment that works within their schedules. The cat is then trapped by the Applicant and transported to the Veterinary Clinic on the scheduled appointment day where it receives FIV/FeLV testing, primary vaccinations and is spayed or neutered – at no cost to the Applicant. The Applicant then returns the cat to their property where they can continue to monitor the cat and provide it with basic care.

Program Terms:

- This program is specifically for feral cats without known owners.

- Applicants must commit to providing ongoing basic care for the cats such as food, water, and shelter.

- Applicants must either own the property where the cats are located or have explicit permission from the property owner.

- The Applicant is responsible for arranging veterinary appointments, trapping, and transportation of the cats.

- The Certificate confirming Applicant and number of cats is valid for 1 month and must be presented to the Veterinary Clinic.

- Cats must be transported to the Veterinary Clinic in a County-owned trap. A cat not contained in a trap may be refused.

- Live traps and covers shall be provided to the approved Applicant for a refundable deposit of $25 per trap.

- For the program to be effective, all cats within the colony should be altered. Approximate numbers shall be disclosed.

- Pregnant or nursing females and kittens may be spayed or neutered based on veterinary recommendation.

- The veterinarian reserves the right to make all determinations regarding the health and welfare of each cat.

- Any additional medical care or treatments beyond what is provided by the TNR Program are the responsibility of the Applicant.

- All cats shall be ear-tipped to indicate their participation in the TNR Program with no exceptions.

- Due to limited availability of traps, Staff may restrict the number borrowed and duration of use. Prompt return of traps is essential.

- Any changes to the information supplied by the Applicant must be communicated to Staff.

- Staff reserve the right to approve, deny, suspend or revoke an application at any time.

- Special arrangements to these terms may be considered on a case-by-case basis pending discussion with Staff.