Chandler TNR Assistance Program
City of Chandler’s Trap, Neuter, Return Assistance Program
is partnership with Saving One Life.
What is TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return)?
Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) is a humane and effective approach for managing and reducing the population of community cats (also known as feral or stray cats). It involves the following steps:
Trap: Community cats are humanely trapped using humane traps.
Neuter (or Spay): Once trapped, the cats are taken to a veterinary clinic where they are spayed (for females) or neutered (for males).
Return: After surgery, the cats are returned to their original location, where they were trapped.
- Humanely reduces overpopulation: By neutering or spaying community cats, TNR prevents them from reproducing, which helps stabilize and eventually reduce their population over time.
- Improves cat health: Neutering or spaying reduces the risks of certain diseases and injuries associated with mating behaviors, leading to healthier cats.
- Reduces nuisance behaviors: Neutered/spayed cats are less likely to exhibit behaviors such as yowling, fighting, and spraying, which can disrupt neighborhoods.
- Cost-effective: TNR is generally more cost-effective than repeated attempts to eradicate or relocate community cat populations.
- Promotes community harmony: TNR encourages responsible cat management practices and fosters community involvement in caring for community cats.
Overall, TNR is widely recognized as a compassionate and sustainable method for managing community cat populations while respecting the needs and welfare of both the cats and the community they inhabit.
The City of Chandler TNR Assistance Program provides essential funding to address the overpopulation of community cats in neighborhoods and throughout the city by supporting TNR.
By supporting TNR initiatives, this program empowers community leaders, encourages resident participation, and improves the quality of life in Chandler neighborhoods.
Periodically, we need assistance in transporting our animals. This may include to / from: Shelter, Veterinarian, Adoption Center, Owner and more.
If you are interested in helping transport, let us know by submitting an application to volunteer or sending us an email to volunteer@savingonelife.org.
1. Checking Neighborhood Registration
Before accessing city funds for TNR, ensure that your neighborhood is registered:
Verify Registration: Visit the “Is Your Neighborhood Registered?” page here to confirm the registration status.
2. Registering Your Neighborhood
If your neighborhood is not listed, follow these steps to register:
Resident Application: As a resident, you can initiate the registration process. You will need to act as the main contact and secure support from at least one neighbor.
Support from Non-Residents: If you do not reside in the neighborhood but wish to assist with TNR efforts, collaborate with a resident who can initiate registration and secure support from another neighbor.
Processing Time: The registration process typically takes 7-10 days. Start promptly to expedite your neighborhood’s registration.
3. Sign up for TNR Appointments (Only once your neighborhood is registered.)
Visit the scheduling platform and sign up.
Contact Saving One Life via email (chandlerTNR@savingonelife.org) if you will need assistance with traps.
4. Additional Resources for Communication
In preparation for your trapping night, monitor when and where the cats are eating and whether there are other feeders in the area.
Notify fellow feeders / neighbors of your trapping so they do not feed the night of trapping.
Educating neighbors about TNR and its benefits goes a long way to get support for your efforts.
Get prepared. The more you do in preparation of the trapping, transport and recovery will make for an easier experience for you and the cats. Here’s a great resource.
Here are some additional resources and tools for how to here: https://www.alleycat.org/resources/advocacy-tools-public-education/
- Where do we get traps?
- Saving One Life has some traps you can borrow for your appointments, but our supply is limited. If you need traps, please email us in advance to coordinate.
- What clinics can we choose from?
- Currently, we are only working with Brookview Animal Wellness is Gilbert.
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Are there any costs to me as the trapper for the TNR?
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At time of alter, no. The only additional costs would be if you elected for an optional service such as microchipping ($10) or FeLV / FIV testing ($30). Cats presumed to be under 6 months of age will be given an FVRCP Vaccine. You can opt for an FVRCP vaccine for an older cat for an additional cost ($20)
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- How do I schedule more than five appointments at a time?
- If you have a larger-scale trapping project, please contact us via email and we can schedule separately for a bulk # of appointments with the clinic if you prefer.
- What if the cats I trapped are friendly / adoptable?
- First, search for an owner. Post with pictures to social media pages (NextDoor, Facebook (Lost Cats, Straydar and many other groups)
- If no owner is found after seven days, this cat many be eligible for Saving One Life’s 1x Foster Program if you are willing and able to foster the cat. Please visit our website to review the requirements to 1x Foster and apply if interested and applicable.
- Who do I contact with any additional questions?
- Phone (for additional information only): 480.602.6022
- EMail: chandlertnr@savingonelife.org
Additional Resources to learn more about Community Cats and how to help
- Alley Cat Allies: https://www.alleycat.org/
- Community Cats Podcast: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/
The Cats and the Community Thank YOU!
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Thank you for helping change our community for the better for cats and people!