Trap-Neuter-Return Program

What is Trap-Neuter-Return?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) decreases stray and feral cat populations without harming cats. Accomplished through a partnership between feral cat colony sponsors and caretakers and the city, TNR involves (1) trapping all or most of the cats in a colony, (2) getting them sterilized and (3) releasing them. Cats returned to the wild are tagged on the ear to identify them as sterilized.

Man feeds stray cat on his porch.

TNR is supported by numerous cities and counties as the only proven way to effectively control feral cat population growth. (Feral cats are born or raised in the wild, or have been lost or abandoned and reverted to wild behavior. They exist in large numbers and roam free throughout urban areas. In seven years, a pair of cats and their offspring can yield 42,000 cats.)

How does Trap-Neuter-Return help our community?

  • helps reduce the number of feral cats subject to the perils of starvation, contraction of rabies and accidental deaths from motorists to name a few.
  • ensures that feral cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and adequately cared for by feral cat colony caretakers.
  • diminishes nuisances or other public health or safety threats caused by feral cats (such as noise from screaming cats, scratched/damaged vehicles, odors stemming from feral cats marking their territories, and disrupted trash disposal).
  • reduces the number of feral cats in the animal shelter

How can I help?

The Friends of Tri-City Animal Shelter offer a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program, offering access to traps, no-cost sterilization, and educational materials for colony caretakers. Learn more about the program.

To inquire about TNR intake and other information you may also email

Check out these TNR Resources for citizens outside our Tri-City (Cedar Hill, DeSoto, & Duncanville) jurisdiction!



Grand Prairie


Texas Coalition of Animal Protection (if your serving city does not have a TNR program check out TCAP or other available local clinical resources)

TNR-Kitten Info


  1. TNR Appointments
  2. TNR Traps
  3. Value of TNR
  4. Feral Deterrents
  5. Caregiver Tips

Want to schedule your feral visitor for a sterilization appointment?

Send an email to with details of the cat you wish for us to sterilize (color, approximate age, gender), a copy of your drivers license or government id, and if you wish for us to release the cat or if you will be picking up the feral after the service has been completed.

When do surgeries usually happen?

Surgeries tend to take place on most Tuesdays. Please contact us for sterilization availability before trapping. If the cat is already trapped before a surgery appointment could be scheduled contact us right away at 972-293-7387.

What is the after care for sterilized TNRs?

Sterilized ferals will have dissolvable stitching that will heal on their own without the need for a clinic visit. Staff will give additional information if special release instructions are needed. Once a TNR leaves our facility it may be released immediately back into the area of which it resides.

Paw Patrol