TNR Program

Have a question about TNR or a TNR project? Send us a message.

About requests for TNR

TNR Utopia is a small group of people helping community cats and the people who care for them. We help community cat caretakers by trapping, sterilizing and returning the cats they feed, provide shelter to and care about. We also provide support and advice to community cat caretakers looking to do TNR themselves. 

We receive more requests for help than we are able to complete TNR projects which is why we keep a wait list that is several weeks long.

Here are other ways you can help the community cats you care about:

TNR Utopia Areas of Focus

TNR Utopia operates in the following parts of Queens, NYC. We choose to stay close to home to do MORE trapping and LESS driving.

TNR Projects

We receive more requests for help than we are able to complete which is why we keep a waitlist of TNR Projects that is several weeks long.

Questions? Email tnr@tnrutopia.org  |  Is there a fee for TNR?

Requirements before we take on a new TNR Project:

Why TNR?

Trap-Neuter-Return, or "TNR," is the most humane and effective method known for managing feral and stray community cats and reducing their numbers. The cats are trapped and brought to a spay/neuter clinic. They're then spayed or neutered, vaccinated and eartipped. After they've recovered from their surgeries, the cats are returned back to their original territory where a caretaker provides regular food and shelter. 

Because the cats can no longer reproduce, the colony has the potential to decline in size over time. Spaying and neutering also greatly reduce nuisance behavior, making community cats better neighbors with humans. Once the cats are fixed, fighting, yowling and other noise associated with mating stops almost entirely. The foul odor caused by unaltered males spraying to mark territory disappears and the cats, no longer driven to mate, roam much less and become less visible. The cats themselves are healthier and less likely to spread feline diseases. Meanwhile, rodent control is maintained by the cats' continued presence.

You can make a difference!

TAKE THE TNR CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

GET ACCESS TO LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER SERVICES AND FREE TRAP RENTALS

The TNR Certification Workshop is only 3 hours and gives you the skills, knowledge and access to the low cost medical services needed to be successful in doing TNR yourself.  Workshops are offered in every borough regularly.  You will learn how to care for the feral and stray cats in your community and make use of the many resources now available to assist you.  All workshop attendees will become TNR certified and NYC residents will gain access to low cost spay/neuter services, free traps and equipment rentals, and expert guidance and assistance. 

Is there a fee for TNR?

As a nonprofit organization, we collect donations during TNR projects. We suggest a donation of $50 per cat or kitten but will gladly accept and appreciate any donation amount. Donations support our TNR work (travel, trapping and equipment, medical expenses, supplies, food and shelter during cat recovery) and our work with community cats that may need more extensive medical attention.  Donations also help pay for the extended care needed for kittens before they can be adopted.  

What services do community cats receive? ✂️💉

All community cats get spayed/neutered and vaccinated. Cats in traps also get left ear tipped (no exceptions). Optional services are available for a small fee.

Provided Services for all Community Cats in Traps:

Optional services (at additional cost and upon request):

Trap-Neuter-Return Agreement

TNR works best when everyone involved is in agreement and "on the same page".

All community cats trapped during TNR will be:

Feral community cats trapped during TNR are:

Release from Liability

I understand and agree that TNR Utopia Inc shall not be liable to me or held responsible by me in any manner whatsoever for, or in connection with, the procedure to be performed on the Animal, and I hereby hold TNR Utopia Inc harmless from and against any and all liability and damages that may arise.

Friendly Cats and Kittens

Friendly cats and/or kittens, encountered during TNR, will be assessed by TNR Utopia Inc prior to TNR Utopia Inc agreeing to intake. TNR Utopia Inc has complete discretion and permission to intake any friendly cats and/or kittens, encountered during TNR, into their adoption program if it will benefit the health and wellbeing of the cat and/or kitten.

We Do Not Admit Owner Surrender Cats

TNR Utopia is NOT an animal shelter.  We DO NOT admit owner surrendered cats and DO NOT remove feral free-roaming cats from the community. Entrance into our own adoption program is solely at our discretion. We can assist with low cost spay/neuter services, some medical needs, and give advice on how to re-home a cat if needed. We are not able to admit cats under most circumstances into our own adoption program.

There are many organizations in NYC that may take animals into their adoption programs. Check this list for organizations by borough. 

Questions? Email tnr@tnrutopia.org