Feral Cat Services

Feral Cats and TNR

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, medically evaluated, vaccinated and sterilized by veterinarians, then returned to their original location.

Animal Humane endorses TNR as the only proven humane and effective method to manage feral cat colonies.

Animal Humane’s Trap/Neuter/Return Program

Location: Animal Humane’s Donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic

Times: By appointment only Monday-Thursday. Curbside drop off between 7:30 – 8 am.

Cost: Free. Sterilization of feral cats is free. However, charges may be incurred if additional services are needed upon examination of the feline.

Details: Our Donor-subsidized Veterinary Clinic spays and neuters feral cats. At the time of the spay/neuter, they also receive rabies and FVRCP vaccines, subcutaneous fluids, an antibiotic injection and have their left ear “tipped” so they are identifiable as being sterile.

Scheduling: To schedule an appointment, please call (505) 217-0300 & select Option 1.

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

We proudly work with the Zimmer Feline Foundation to provide free TNR for our service area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Feral Cat Policies

Anyone may bring a feral cat, but a friendly cat or housecat is not eligible for this program. Animal Humane New Mexico reserves the right to place friendly cats up for adoption at the discretion of our veterinarians.
Space is limited to 3 cats per trapper per day. To schedule an appointment, please call (505) 217-0300 & select Option 1.
Each cat must arrive in a covered live catch trap. Do NOT place towels or bowls inside of trap, but please cover the trap with a towel or blanket.
Traps are available to borrow at our Admissions Department at Animal Humane New Mexico. A deposit is required to borrow a trap, but there is no charge. If you need to obtain traps, please call 505.938.7861.
You may use your own trap if it has an accurate weight written on it. Traps without an accurate weight will incur a $10 transfer fee.
Cats must be picked up between 3:30 and 4 pm the same day.

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 groups, or colonies. 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.