DALLAS — Have you ever wondered why the cats in your neighborhood have a notched right ear? It's not from petty cat fights or roaming the streets -- it's part of a Dallas Animal Services program helping track stray cat populations in your community.
The Community Cat Program helps residents report neighborhood cats they are monitoring to receive subsidized spay/neuter, vaccination, microchip and ear-tip services.
Now, Dallas Animal Services announced it is expanding the program and partnering with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection and the Spay Neuter Network.
“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 utilizing this program. We’re proud that the City of Dallas can subsidize these lifesaving surgeries as a part of our ongoing mission to Be Dallas 90.”
Dallas residents first obtain a Service Request number through the 311 system to report the community cats they are monitoring. They can then take the SR number to Spay neuter Network for the subsidized services that help manage overpopulation, prevent the spread of disease and stop problematic behaviors.
Community cats are returned to their territories as part of the city's Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return process.
Cats' right ears are notched to help others easily identify if they've been through this process.
Dallas Animal Services does not offer these services at their shelters. Starting on July 15, though, TCAP will accept community cats from people with a SR number for free surgeries by appointment. The nonprofit organization provides low-cost veterinary services to underserved communities across the state.
"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 at each of their eight locations on designated community cat surgery days. Spay Neuter Network, the current program partner that works to eliminate pet overpopulation, accepts as many cats as the day’s schedule allows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at their Dallas clinic.
“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. Thankfully, the cost-barrier will be lifted with this funding support from Dallas Animal Services.”
To learn more about DAS, the #BeDallas90 campaign and view adoptable pets, click here.
