Free spay and neuter event offered March 18-20 for community cats
PIMA COUNTY, Feb. 28, 2022 –Pima Animal Care Center is holding a free spay and neuter event called Snip ‘N’ Tip for community cats March 18-20 in PACC’s Multi-Purpose Room, 4000 North Silverbell Road.
Drop-off hours are:
- Friday, March 18, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Saturday, March 19, 7 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, March 19, 3 to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, March 20, 7 a.m. to noon
Community cats are cats that prefer to live outdoors. The event is part of PACC’s expanded Community Cat Trap-Neuter-Return Program (TNR).
“This community has shown us how much they care about their community cats,” Monica Dangler, Director of Animal Services, said. “Our last event in the fall had more than 550 cats thanks to the people who helped trap them and returned them back to their home.”
The Snip ‘N’ Tip event is one of several programs in the works to ramp up the Community Cat TNR Program in Pima County.
TNR is the humane and effective way to reduce the number of cats living on the streets in Pima County. It improves the overall health of the cats and prevents future generations of kittens from being born outside.
The event is only for outdoor community cats and kittens living in Pima County. Kittens should weigh at least 1.5 pounds and have a committed caretaker to monitor them after surgery. Nursing moms will only be spayed Sunday mornings. Caretakers must be able to continue feeding litters until are fully recovered (usually a day or two). Anyone can participate by bringing in an outdoor cat in a secure, hard-sided cat carrier or trap. People who bring cats will be responsible for returning them back to their neighborhood.
By bringing in cats, people can support a participating 501c3 shelter, rescue, or TNR organization. Tell a PACC staff member which non-profit partner you want to support and they will receive $10 per cat and will be eligible for additional prizes. Incentives have been generously provided through donations.
Community cat supporters can also make a donation to Friends of Pima Animal Care Center to help fund future Snip ‘N’ Tip events. On average, it costs PACC $33 per cat seen during the event. People can make donations here.
If people need a trap or carrier, they can contact PACC’s Community Cat Program by emailing communitycats@pima.gov. They can sign up for the event at app.waitwhile.com/book/snipntip or by calling (520) 724-5983.
All cats will receive:
- Brief exam by licensed veterinarian
- FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccines
- Rabies vaccines
- Parasite treatment as needed
- Minor medical care as needed
- Microchip implantation
- An eartip (humanely conducted under anesthesia)
- Female cats will also receive a green tattoo next to spay site (humanely conducted under anesthesia)
Dr. Jennifer Wilcox, the Director of Veterinary Services, is a strong advocate of TNR.
“When you see an outdoor cat with an ear tip, you can know that someone is feeding that animal and cared enough to get the cat sterilized and vaccinated,” she said.
She also mentioned that March is the beginning of kitten season. “Spay, neuter, and vaccination events like this will reduce the load of sick and suffering kittens that flood shelters ever spring,” she said.
When signing up through the link, trappers will be notified when the cats are ready for pick up. Community cat supporters can purchase merchandise to support the program here.
This event was made possible by Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, Petco Love, Clara Lee Arnold, Melinda Correll and Bonnie Kay.
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