COMMUNITY POWERED
OUR COMMUNITY CAT PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HAVE THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE IMPACT TOWARDS REDUCING THE OUTDOOR CAT POPULATION.
After doing rescue and trap neuter return (TNR) work for years, it’s clear this cycle won’t end on its own. So we consulted with leading experts from around the country to build a new volunteer program that tackles the root cause of shelter euthanasia - unsterilized community cats.
Our Community Cat Program offers:
Training - providing new volunteers with TNR instruction + certification to get started
Project management - helping colony caretakers fix the cats on their block with hands-on mentorship
Resources - offering holding space, equipment, transport, and help with spay/neuter appointments
TNR is local
A joint 2019 study funded by the ASPCA shows that over a 10-year period, free-roaming cat populations managed by a high-intensity trap-neuter-return (TNR) program experienced 31 times fewer preventable cat deaths than when no action at all was taken. However, the ability of TNR to reduce preventable deaths and population size largely disappears when implemented at lower levels (ex. lower sterilization rates across a larger area).
A targeted, colony-centered approach is necessary for TNR to have its highest impact, so we train community members how to spay and neuter the cats in their area. They become “block captains” who can support other neighbors and make sure new cats are sterilized as well.
With this grassroots model, we’re aiming to sterilize 80% of the free-roaming cat population in priority zip codes over the next few years. And as our capacity grows, we can expand this program to other parts of Brooklyn.
join us
Get TNR Certified - we teach a free online TNR Certification class with ASPCA Pro. The class takes around two hours, and gives NYC residents access to low cost spay neuter resources. We have an on-demand version coming soon in English and Spanish.
Volunteer (Flatbush area only) - TNR certified Brooklyn residents can also help care for cats in our community holding space, providing them with food and clean bedding before and after surgery. Learn more and sign up here.
Become a monthly supporter - help us expand our service area and plan for long term impact.
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