Success Tips for TNR

Our efforts are working. Alley Cat Allies hears from advocates across the country about the progress they're making with changing the archaic and entrenched animal control system in their community. Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) is making a very real difference for feral cats in communities just like yours. Below are some tips to help you better help the cats.

Tip #1
Identify who your city council members are and how to contact them. Search for your city government's website on the internet. If your city does not have a website, look in your local white pages and call the city clerk's office. You can also stop by your local public library to get the information. Make sure to write down their full name, title, mailing address, and phone numbers (and e-mail if they have one listed). Take the time to introduce yourself to your city council members and start a line of communication with them. See more information about changing your community.

Tip #2
Start your own Trap, Neuter, and Return group! Alley Cat Allies has broken down the steps necessary for you to create your own organization dedicated to bettering the lives of outdoor cats through a Trap, Neuter, and Return program. If you are interested in creating a new clinic in your area, click here.

Tip #3
Organize! Feel like you are all alone in your town and trying to single-handedly help the outdoor cats yourself? Don't. Getting the word out about your work will help encourage and inspire others to help you in your mission. Educate other people by holding a class about Trap, Neuter, and Return at your local library. Tell people about the steps involved in the process, and make sure to get the attendee's name so you can contact them to help you in the future.

Tip #4
Talk to your local animal control officer about Trap, Neuter, and Return. Set up an appointment with him or her and bring some goodies. These officers are the people who you will need to work with in order to seek change in your community. If you are worried about what to say, download this PDF to learn how to best get the message across to your local officers. Just remember -- stay positive!

Tip #5
Trap, neuter, and return works! Wondering who else in the animal protection movement has a position on Trap, Neuter, and Return? Click here to read other organizations' perspectives. Using the perspectives of the other nationally respected organizations that support the humane method of outdoor cat population management may help you change the minds of important figures in your community.

Tip #6
Know the facts. With some time and a little research, you can be fully prepared for any question that may come your way. Alley Cat Allies has compiled scientific studies online, many with commentary. You can check out our past newsletter articles or read some scientific studies to help you get the facts straight and get the truth about feral cats out to your community.

Tip #7
Stand out in the crowd! Wear an orange ribbon, and encourage your supporters to do the same. This is an effective method of showing your support when attending a town hall meeting. Council representatives often want to know how many in the crowd support the issue in front of them. Make sure to have your speaker, if you are allowed to give a presentation, point out that all the people in the audience wearing an orange ribbon want Trap, Neuter, and Return in your community. Click here to order your own orange ribbons.

Tip #8
Get political. Read the paper, listen to the news and follow the actions your local government is taking on issues relating to animal care and management. Take the time to get to know your local laws and any pieces of legislation your governemnt officials are considering. Want to learn more about the implications of various animal laws? Learn how to organize to change these antiquated laws.

Tip #9
Get the truth out to the masses! News reporters are not intimidating, and speaking to them should not cause you hot sweats. Take your cues from the politicians you see on TV -- have a few talking points and repeat them over and over again. Stay positive, smile for the camera, and tell the truth. For more tips on working with the media -- click here.