Trap Neuter Return

The Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) Program is a community-driven initiative that allows residents to help manage feral cat populations within Mesa limits. Residents who are aware of feral cat colonies within Mesa limits can register with Mesa Animal Control to participate in the program.

Once registered, participants receive a unique Participant/Trapper ID and are paired with a designated veterinarian. Participants are responsible for trapping the cats and scheduling spay/neuter surgeries with their assigned vet. Mesa covers the cost of the procedures.

Registration meetings are held several times a year—in Winter, Spring, and Fall. These sessions provide important information on program guidelines, responsibilities, and participation requirements.

Due to limited space, residents interested in attending a registration session should email TNR@MesaAZ.gov  to receive updates on upcoming meetings.

What is TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective method to help control feral cat populations and reduce nuisance behaviors including fighting, spraying, destructive behavior, and predation. With TNR, cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, ear-clipped, and returned to their environment.

Trap: A feral cat is humanely trapped.

Neuter: The cat is spayed or neutered by a veterinarian. An ear is “tipped” or “notched” to identify the cat has been altered. This is a universal identifier of a sterilized feral cat.

Return: The cat is returned to its original location where it was previously living when trapped. Returning the cat stabilizes the colony and prevents a vacuum effect which causes other feral cats to take over the voided territory. This effect is a phenomenon that is scientifically known across all types of animal species.

TNR Benefits

  • Ends the reproduction cycle, limiting the growth of feral cat populations
  • Eliminates or minimizes annoying behaviors such as spraying, yowling, and fighting
  • Helps end the increase of unwanted cats in a community

Low Cost Services

Interested?

Are you a Mesa Resident and interested in TNR?

 

Send an email with your name and phone number, along with a note stating your interest, to TNR@mesaaz.gov.

 

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