Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Services for Feral Cats

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a comprehensive, ongoing program in which free-roaming and feral cats already living outdoors in cities, towns, and rural areas are humanely trapped, evaluated, vaccinated, and sterilized by veterinarians then returned to their original location.

Animal Humane endorses Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the only proven humane and effective method to manage feral cat colonies.

What are feral cats?

Feral cats are cats that are unsocialized with humans and may be one or more generations removed from a home environment.  Typically, feral cats live in a group, or colony, of similar cats. These cats and their offspring are victims of abandonment, accidental loss, and failure by owners to sterilize their pets.

Can I surrender feral cats on my property/in my neighborhood to Animal Humane?

Free-roaming or feral cats are not accepted at Animal Humane because these cats are not socialized with humans, and therefore, cannot be safely handled or adopted. Rather, we welcome you to take advantage of our Trap-Neuter-Return program.


Animal Humane's TNR Program

Location: Animal Humane's Donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic
Times: Monday - Thursday, drop off 7-7:30 am*
Cost: Free**

Call our Feral Cat Information Hotline at 505.217.0300, Ext. 5 for program details and consult Feral Cat Trapping Tips and Feral Cat Recovery Instructions for valuable information.

*All cats must arrive in covered traps (one cat per trap) accompanied by a plastic pet carrier and a towel for post-operative recovery.

**Sterilization of the feral cat is free. However, charges may be incurred if additional services are needed upon examination of the animal.


Street Cat Companions TNR Program

Street Cat Companions, a subsidiary of New Mexico Animal Friends (NMAF), conducts feral cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) clinics at Animal Humane’s Donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic the second Sunday of every month, with occasional scheduling changes around holidays. Any concerned citizen may bring a feral cat(s) to these clinics.

They request that all cats be brought in covered traps, but exceptions can be made if this is not possible. Each cat must be accompanied by a plastic pet carrier and a towel for post-operative recovery. Sterilization services are provided at $15 per surgery. Please make your tax-deductible donation payable to Street Cat Companions. Drop-off begins at 7:30 am in the south parking lot of Animal Humane’s 615 Virginia St SE Veterinary Clinic. For more information about monthly TNR clinics or trap rentals, please call NMAF at 505.881.7297.

To learn more about TNR, visit the following links: 
Humane Society of the United States Position Statement on TNR
Alley Cat Allies
Best Friends Animal Society  
Stray Cat Alliance  
Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project  

Clinic Location

Our Clinic is located at our Main Campus, 615 Virginia St SE

Hours of Operation

Depending on the service you are utilizing at our Clinic, the hours vary.