The Trap-
Neuter-Return
Program
According to research, the removal and euthanasia of feral cats only results in more cats moving in and going into reproductive overdrive, thereby exacerbating the problem. Our Trap-Neuter-Return Program is our attempt to solving this problem. By spaying and neutering, we can effectively and humanely reduce the cat population in our communities. We are currently conducting between 2,500 and 3,000 spay/neuter surgeries of feral cats per year; however, we estimate that over 6,000 surgeries would need to be performed each year just to keep up with the current demand. We are working hard to expand our capacity in order to increase the number of surgeries that we are able to do. If you would like to contribute financially toward this goal, please consider making an online donation to support our Trap-Neuter-Return Program.
What is a Feral Cat?
A cat born and raised in the wild, or who has been abandoned or lost and reverted to wild ways in order to survive, is considered a feral cat. While some feral cats tolerate a bit of human contact, most are too fearful and wild to be handled. Stray cats are usually tame and comfortable around people. They will frequently rub against legs and exhibit behaviors such as purring and meowing. In contrast, feral cats are notably quiet and keep their distance. When approached, they often run off or hiss.
How Our TNR Program Works
1. Identify that there is a feral cat in your neighborhood.
2. Schedule an appointment with our McKonly Spay/Neuter Clinic to have the cat spayed or neutered.
(The cost for residents of Lancaster County is $15, which includes the spay/neuter surgery, a rabies vaccination, and ear tipping for identification. If you reside in Lancaster City, we will be able to preform the surgery at no cost to you, thanks to a grant we received from PetSmart Charities®.)
3. Rent a trap, if needed, from our Cat Adoption Center and trap the cat.
4. Safely transport the cat to the Humane League of Lancaster between 7am and 10am on the day of your scheduled appointment.
5. Pick the cat up at the designated time and follow post surgery instructions (which we will provide) before returning the cat to its natural environment.
6. Follow through and become a successful caretaker of your feral cat and/or colony.
Important Information to Know Before You Contact Us:
- This clinic is only available to residents of Lancaster County. If you reside outside of Lancaster County and need to have a feral cat spayed/neutered, please contact your local animal shelter.
- We receive as many as 75 phone calls and emails per day from people who want information about our spay/neuter services.
- During our busy times, it may take up to two months for someone to return your email/phone call.
- We are only able to return phone calls during regular business hours, M-F, so please leave a number where we can reach you during the day.
- You can also help us schedule you more quickly if you provide us with the following information in your initial phone message or email:
1. Your name and a phone number where we can reach you during the day
2. Whether you live in Lancaster City or elsewhere in Lancaster County
To schedule an appointment, email spayneuter@humaneleague.com or call (717) 393‑6551 ext. 302. Please know that the demand for this clinic is very high and, while we will make every effort to schedule your pet for an appointment as soon as possible, there may be a waiting list.
Other Resources
The following organizations also provide low cost spay/neuter services:
Friends of All Animals (717) 272‑6466
Spay/Neuter for owned and feral cats (no dogs)
Vaccines– $10 each, with or without surgery for dogs and cats
Plain and Fancy Animal Rescue (717) 949‑3125
Spay/Neuter for owned and feral cats (no dogs)
Vaccines– $18 for both Rabies and Distemper
Will help trap ferals and transport for a fee of $10
