Nevada Humane Society is launching a six-week initiative aimed at reducing the free-roaming cat population in Washoe County by offering free spay and neuter procedures for feral cats.
The program begins June 1 and will run through mid-July. During that time, qualifying cats brought in by Washoe County residents will receive the procedure at no cost.
Nevada Humane Society said the goal is to reduce the number of kittens surrendered to the shelter as feral cat populations continue to increase.
The nonprofit typically charges $25 for feral cat sterilization procedures through its Trap-Neuter-Return program, but said it currently has the veterinary capacity to temporarily expand those services.
The organization is asking residents who are aware of free-roaming cats in their neighborhoods to safely trap the cats, schedule appointments and bring them to the clinic. Staff also can provide resources for Trap-Neuter-Return groups that may be able to assist.
“Any efforts we can deploy to reduce feral cat populations make a critical difference in improving the lives of animals who are currently in our shelter or who will be in the future,” said Jerleen Bryant, CEO at Nevada Humane Society. “We have the bandwidth and the staff to make a push for these procedures, but we need the community’s help in getting them to the clinic for the procedure.”
Trap-Neuter-Return is a population management method in which free-roaming cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, then returned to the outdoor areas where they were found.
While the primary focus is Washoe County, Nevada Humane Society said limited availability also may be offered for Carson City-area residents.
Owned or indoor cats do not qualify for the program, though appointments for pet cats are available online through Nevada Humane Society.
Residents interested in participating or learning more can contact Nevada Humane Society at (775)856-2000, ext. 312, or reception@nevadahumanesociety.org for appointment information and guidance.
