Dallas Animal Services Expands Community Cat Program
Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is partnering with the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) and Spay Neuter Network (SNN) to expand the City of Dallas’ subsidized Community Cat Program.
Through the 311 system, the residents of the city of Dallas can obtain a Service Request (SR) number to report community cats that they are monitoring. Residents can then take that SR number to Spay Neuter Network to receive spay/neuter, vaccination, microchip, and ear-tip services, which the City of Dallas subsidizes.
Starting on July 15, TCAP will begin accepting community cats from city of Dallas residents with a Service Request number for free surgeries by appointment.
“We are thrilled to partner with Dallas Animal Services to offer this unique program,” said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. “Partnership with municipalities is essential to effectively improve animal welfare in North Texas. By providing these necessary services, our goal is to reduce the number of unwanted litters that result in feral cat colonies.”
TCAP currently accepts up to 12 cats per day on each of their eight (8) locations on their designated community cat surgery days. Dallas residents are also welcome to bring their Service Request number on those days at any TCAP location.
Current program partner SNN accepts as many cats as the day’s schedule allows on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at their Dallas clinic at no cost to Dallas residents with a Service Request number. A minimum of twelve (12) cats will be accepted on Thursdays and Fridays. There is a limit of two (2) cats per trapper and slots are first come, first served.
“In our endeavor to end pet overpopulation, we are always looking for ways to increase accessibility for services,” said Jordan Craig, SNN Executive Director. “The surgery expense preventing trappers and area residents from tending community cat colonies is often too much to bear even with reduced nonprofit prices. Thankfully the cost-barrier will be lifted with this funding support from Dallas Animal Services.”
This year’s kitten season has been busy. From March 1 – July 4, 2024, 1,843 neonatal kittens arrived at DAS. During the same time period for 2023 and 2022, the total number of kittens for the same period was 1,242 and 996, respectively.
“Getting community cats fixed is working smarter, not harder,” says Summer Dolder, Assistant General Manager. “Every kitten season is hard, but this year especially has underlined the need for more options for residents who are utilizing this program. We’re proud that the City of Dallas can subsidize these lifesaving surgeries as a part of our ongoing mission to Be Dallas 90.”
To learn more about DAS, the #BeDallas90 campaign, and view adoptable pets, visit BeDallas90.org.
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