2021 Community/Feral Cat Policy Changes

Hello friend of outdoor cats!

As spring is quickly approaching, we want to let you know how things will work for outdoor cats at Humane Ohio in 2021. As our program has steadily grown we have had to make some changes to ensure we can provide the very best care to the cats while they are with us. Here are the basic things to know if you plan to bring community cats to Humane Ohio for spay/neuter this year:

• Outdoor cats may come in BY APPOINTMENT ONLY– we will no longer be able to accommodate walk-ins
• You can make an appointment request on our website (https://humaneohio.org/community-cat-appointment-request/) or by calling the clinic at 419-266-5607
• Once you request an appointment, you will be contacted by our Community Cat Coordinator, Taylor, who will get you set up with a date or dates as needed
• If the cats are able to be safely handled by strangers, they are welcome to arrive for their appointment in a secure cat carrier. Otherwise they should arrive in a cat-sized humane live trap.
• If, after you make the appointments, you know you will not be able to bring cats in that day for any reason, please call (419-266-5607 ex.109) or email (communitycats@humaneohio.org) to cancel your appointment as soon as possible so that others may get in sooner.
• As always, cats getting the community cat package/price will receive an ear-tip and a rabies vaccine if they are 12 weeks of age or older. The ear-tip is not optional. If you choose to not have the cat receive an ear-tip, you will be charged the normal price for an indoor cat (currently $50)

Again, all trappers will now need to schedule appointments ahead of time and bring cats only on days they have an appointment. Do NOT trap cats to bring in until you have an appointment set up and it is within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment.

Appointments will begin the first week in February and can be scheduled now.

We know this may be an inconvenience, but due to the very large number of walk-in cats we were receiving last year, we cannot continue to serve the TNR community in that way. Animal care and safety is our number one priority, and taking in unlimited numbers of cats does not allow us to provide a safe, comfortable place for the cats or provide the diligent care we pride ourselves on. Please be understanding of the new rules so that we can continue to serve as many cats as possible.

Thank you!

The Humane Ohio Team