Dallas Animal Services Expands Community Cat Program

Through the 311 system, the residents of the city of Dallascan obtain a Service Request (SR) number to report community cats that they are monitoring. Residents can then take that SR number to Spay Neuter Network to receive spay/neuter, vaccination, microchip, and ear-tip services, which the City of Dallas subsidizes.

Starting on July 15, TCAP will begin accepting community cats from city of Dallas residents with a Service Request number for free surgeries by appointment.

"We are thrilled to partner with Dallas Animal Services to offer this unique program," said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. "Partnership with municipalities is essential to effectively improve animal welfare in North Texas. By providing these necessary services, our goal is to reduce the number of unwanted litters that result in feral cat colonies."

TCAP currently accepts up to 12 cats per day on each of their eight (8) locations on their designated community cat surgery days. Dallas residents are also welcome to bring their Service Request number on those days at any TCAP location.

Current program partner SNN accepts as many cats as the day's schedule allows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at their Dallas clinic at no cost to Dallas residents with a Service Request number. A minimum of twelve (12) cats will be accepted on Thursdays and Fridays. There is a limit of two (2) cats per trapper and slots are first come, first served.

"In our endeavor to end pet overpopulation, we are always looking for ways to increase accessibility for services," said Jordan Craig, SNN Executive Director. "The surgery expense preventing trappers and area residents from tending community cat colonies is often too much to bear even with reduced nonprofit prices. Thankfullythe cost-barrier will be lifted with this funding support from Dallas Animal Services."

This year's kitten season has been busy. From March 1 - July 4,2024, 1,843 neonatalkittens arrived at DAS. During the same time periodfor 2023 and 2022, the total number of kittens for the same period was 1,242 and 996, respectively.

"Getting community cats fixed is working smarter, not harder," says Summer Dolder, Assistant General Manager. "Every kitten season is hard, but this year especially has underlined the need for more options for residents who are utilizingthis program.We'reproud that the City of Dallas cansubsidize these lifesaving surgeriesas a part of our ongoing mission to Be Dallas 90."

To learn more about DAS, the #BeDallas90 campaign, and view adoptable pets, visit BeDallas90.org.

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About Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP):

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection is a nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality, low-cost veterinary services to underserved communities. With a focus on spay/neuter surgeries and preventive care, TCAP seeksto reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare across Texas. Through its eight North Texas locations, more than 40 offsite travel locations, and educational initiatives, TCAP strives to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of animals and those who love them.

About Spay Neuter Network:

Spay Neuter Network's mission is to eliminatepet overpopulation through spay/neuter, while empowering communities to care responsibly for dogs and cats. This mission is accomplishedby providing free and affordable spay/neuter, wellness and vaccination services for dogs and cats across Texas. Our goal is to reduce shelter intake and create compassionate communities free of homeless pets.

Spay Neuter Network operatesfour spay/neuter clinics, a surgery transport service for those with limited transportation, and a Mobile Animal Spay/Neuter Hospital (MASH) in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and San Antonio where we provide affordable pet vaccinations, sterilizationsand pet care resources to more than 36 cities. Spay Neuter Network performs an average of 25,000 surgeries annually and provides wellness and preventative services, supporting 50,000 pets each year on average at little to no cost to pet owners across Texas. To learn more about Spay Neuter Network or donate, visit www.spayneuternet.org.