Dallas Animal Services (DAS) and Spay Neuter Network (SNN) have joined forces to offer free spay/neuter services for free-roaming cats in the Dallas area. This collaborative effort aims to address the issue of pet overpopulation and promote humane practices in managing free-roaming cat populations.
The services provided include spaying or neutering, rabies vaccination, FVRCP vaccination, microchip, and ear-tipping. Ear-tipping involves clipping the tip of the left ear while the cat is under anesthesia. This painless procedure serves as a visual indicator that the cat has already been fixed and vaccinated. If the cat is trapped again, the trapper will be aware of its previous spaying/neutering.
According to Jordan Craig, Executive Director of SNN, "SNN is committed to helping reduce pet overpopulation, and this includes the free-roaming cats in our community. SNN and DAS are working together to make these services more accessible to our community members so that we can help more cats."
To participate in the program, interested individuals must obtain an SR number from the City of Dallas 3-1-1. This can be done online by visiting City of Dallas Service Types, selecting "Animal Care and Control," and then choosing "Animal Community Cat Program." Only one SR number is required per address.
Once applicants have secured an SR number, they can bring up to four cats each day, with a total of twelve cats accepted on Thursdays and Fridays starting in January. The SR number must be presented when dropping off cats at the Spay Neuter Network's Dallas clinic. It's essential that the cats are feral or un-owned, and they must be free-roaming cats within the City of Dallas. The program specifically excludes kittens trapped for adoption by rescue groups.
It's important to note that city funding will not cover the cost of services if a cat is found to be already spayed or neutered, or if the participant lacks an SR number. The initiative emphasizes responsible and targeted efforts to address the overpopulation of free-roaming cats in the community.