The Community Cat Program was created due to revisions to the Animal Control Ordinance on February 3, 2020 (Section 3-122 [h]).  This program is possible through the Animal Services Division’s (ASD) partnership with area Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) groups.  The program addresses the issue of community cats (also known as free-roaming cats) through humane, non-lethal ways such as (TNR) and the County’s Return-To-Field (RTF) program to reduce complaints and lower the number of community cats.  Cats are altered, ear-tipped, vaccinated, and returned to the area where they were found.  Trapping healthy cats for reasons other than TNR is generally not permitted. 

Customers calling to report healthy, free-roaming cats will be referred to the TNR group for their area to discuss targeted TNR. Complaints or concerns regarding underage kittens will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

County residents interested in assisting with TNR are encouraged to contact the TNR group in their area.  Traps are available through area trap banks.  Information on TNR groups, low-cost spay/neuter clinics, area trap banks, and grant funding for TNR is available on ASD’s website or by calling (301) 780-7200.