Targeted Surrenders

Over the last 5-10 years we have heard a lot of discussion about the importance of targeted spay/neuter programs. We see flyers for spay/neuter at a low cost for $10 or for free. And as a result, when we have aggressive spay/neuter in these areas we see dramatic reduction in intakes to the surrounding shelters. These targeted programs have been very successful over the last 10-20 years. But has anyone considered Targeted Surrenders?

With Targeted Surrenders, I am suggesting that in areas where there are many cats, It also means that there are many cats in need of rescue or help. Some organizations are targeted by their mission. “We cover x county”, but that may be too large of a population to really be able to focus and make an impact. Therefore, if an organization can select an area in their community that has been their spay/neuter target area, they can do outreach into the community. For instance, they can let the community know that they are there for the cats to be surrendered if needed. Now, those those nearly abandoned cats that would have been abandoned in the streets, will make it to the adoption program. Groups need to market a “No Judgement, No Fee” policy to the folks in these areas. Once this relationship is established, I believe that you will see a larger decrease in intakes and a much more humane community for cats.

During the targeted TNR programs that I have been involved with, an estimated 50% of the cats trapped were determined to be abandoned, friendly strays, or kittens. In many cases, the objective was not to TNR those cats, but to trap and rescue them.

Are we potentially trapping someone’s pet? Maybe, maybe not. If you are truly part of the community and work with folks in the neighborhoods you should be able to determine the “neighborhood’s opinion” on the status of that cat. At times, I feel like we need to have a deeper dive into the communities, which I know can be a difficult accomplishment, at times.

Despite this, we all have to still acknowledge that people are abandoning their cats and that isn’t a good thing. We also have to acknowledge that we have an obligation to help those cats in more ways than just spay/neuter and return. These Targeted Surrenders programs could run like campaigns like the PetSmart Charities Spay/Neuter Blitz programs. Outreach could be done during one month when your adoption center’s population is down.

If one of your organization’s objectives is to reduce the number of free-roaming cats in your community, then Targeted Surrenders programs will help you reach that goal within 3 years. Without that component and just having spay/neuter, you are looking at taking several more years to accomplish this goal. Also, the numbers of “paws” on the street will be higher, along with the risk of increased population growth.

I am not suggesting to bring all of the cats into the adoption center, but I am saying that we need to be more engaged in our local communities. This will help to bring that “safety net” into the community, which will make the community aware that there aren’t barriers to assistance from organizations like yours.

What do you think?

Has your organization lost its way? Does your board and staff need help with clearly defining a target area or where to focus over the next couple of years? Stacy can help your board or community group with a visioning workshop. This is a day-long workshop that focuses on solidifying the mission of the organization. You will also prioritize the top three items that the group will focus on over the next year or two. This is a fast-paced process created to maximize everyone’s time and efforts and is an affordable package for all groups that needs unifying, focus and direction. For more information about this program email Stacy at stacy@communitycatspodcast.com. Or go to: https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/consulting/.