Trap, Neuter/Spay, Release Program

Policies and Procedures

The trapping, neutering, or spaying and return of community cats (TNR) is prohibited in the City of Lakewood without obtaining specific permission from the Director of Public Safety or designee. This policy is intended to allow for the humane TNR of the community cat population in the City of Lakewood to help control the population of that group. Therefore, any individual who has obtained permission for TNR in Lakewood shall abide by the following:

• TNR of animals in the City of Lakewood is limited to the community cat population only.
• For purposes of this policy, a “community cat” is a free-roaming, unowned cat. Community cats can be feral, have any degree of socialization, be abandoned, or homeless cats.
• Person(s) or organizations who are applying for TNR in Lakewood must have a certificate of training in TNR or other acceptable proof of TNR training. A copy of which will be included in their application.
• TNR shall be prohibited from November 1 thru March 31, due to the seasonally low temperatures and potential risks to the trapped animal. Trapping may occur during November 1 thru March 31 with prior approval of the Animal Shelter Supervisor as long as the individual conducting the trapping remains with the trap at all times.
• At the end of an individual’s or organization trapping session, they shall email Animal Control with the number of animals trapped, the number of animals that were altered along with their sex, and the number and species of animals that were released as unintended trapped animals.
• Traps shall be humane traps that will not intentionally cause injury to the trapped animal.
• Traps shall be continually monitored while set to prevent any extended caged time of the animal.
• All traps that contain a captured TNR cat need to be covered to reduce the stress or fear of the cat.
• Appointments for neuter or spaying (alteration) shall be made ahead of the trapping of any community cats and the procedure shall be conducted within 24 hours of trapping the community cat.
• Alteration shall include ear tipping so that the community cat can be readily identified as an already altered cat.
• All cats altered shall also receive a one-year rabies vaccine.
• Altered cats shall be returned as soon as medically cleared by a veterinarian. Trappers should have a plan in place for cats that need extended recovery time prior to release. (Usually within 24 hours)
• All TNR cats will be returned to the same location where they were trapped.
• Any cat trapped that has previously been ear tipped shall immediately be released.
• Nursing community cats shall be altered on an expedited schedule, so they can return to their litter.
• Lakewood Animal Shelter will NOT take in any cats or kittens captured during a TNR unless approved by the Lakewood Animal Shelter Supervisor.
• Sick or injured cats should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation.
• The City of Lakewood is not liable nor responsible for any cost incurred during the TNR processes.