Trap-Neuter-Return
What is Trap–Neuter–Return?
Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) is a humane and effective way to manage community cat populations. Community cats are outdoor cats who are not socialized to people and typically live in colonies near homes, farms, businesses, or wooded areas.
Through TNR, cats are safely trapped, brought to a veterinary clinic to be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and then returned to the area where they were found.
This approach prevents future litters, improves the health of the cats, and stabilizes the colony over time.
Our TNR program is available at no cost thanks to grant funding that supports this important work in Caroline County.
New to Trap-Neuter-Return? Please fill out the TNR Application below!
Done TNR with us before? Just give us a call at 410-820-1600
Why TNR Matters
Without intervention, a single pair of cats can produce dozens, even hundreds of kittens over just a few years.
TNR helps by:
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Preventing future litters
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Reducing nuisance behaviors like fighting and spraying
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Improving the health of outdoor cats through vaccination and sterilization
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Stabilizing colonies so populations naturally decline over time
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Supporting residents who care for community cats in their neighborhoods
TNR is widely recognized by animal welfare organizations as the most humane and effective method for addressing community cat populations.
Who Is This Program For?
This program is designed for community cats, including:
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Feral cats
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Outdoor colony cats
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Barn cats
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Stray cats that are not socialized to people
If the cat is friendly, socialized, and appears to be someone’s pet, please contact the shelter before trapping so we can determine the best next steps.
How the Program Works
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Cats are safely trapped using humane traps.
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They are brought to our partner clinic for spay/neuter surgery and vaccination.
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After recovery, the cats are returned to the location where they were trapped.
Returning the cats to their territory is important because they are familiar with the area and their presence prevents new unaltered cats from moving in.
Borrowing a Trap
We have humane traps available with a $75 refundable deposit for community members who are helping manage outdoor cat populations. Please bring a $75 check made out to Caroline County Humane Society to hold for deposit until the trap is returned.
Traps can be borrowed from the shelter, and our staff can provide guidance on how to safely and humanely trap cats.
If you have previously borrowed a trap, please remember to return it promptly so we can continue helping others in the community.
How to Participate
If you are caring for community cats or have outdoor cats on your property and would like to participate in the TNR program, please contact us.
Our team can help guide you through the process, get you on the schedule and determine the best way to support the cats in your area.
Phone: (410) 820-1600
Email: info@carolinehumane.org
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