Humane Trapping – Humane Trap Loan Program

Feral Cat FOCUS volunteers throughout Western New York keep humane traps on hand to loan to feral cat caregivers participating in a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program. We can loan one trap or multiple traps depending on availability and TNVR project.

trap loan lady
3 stack traps

humane-trap1OUR TRAPS ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN TRAPPING FERAL CATS FOR TNVR

Feral Cat FOCUS is a life-based organization and our mission is to help cats. Our traps are not to be used to capture an owned cat or for any other unlawful purpose. Under no circumstances will our traps be used to capture a healthy animal for euthanasia or to surrender any animal to an animal control agency.

 

WE USE HUMANE BOX TRAPS THAT WON’T HARM THE CATS

Using a humane trap is the safest solution to catch a feral cat – safer for both the cat and for you. It’s the best way to temporarily house and transport cats. It’s safer and easier to anesthetize the cat through a trap, as well as monitor the cat’s recovery following surgery.

 

NO PLAN-NO TRAP!

Don’t plan to trap a feral cat until you have made all the necessary plans and arrangements (housing the cat, transporting cat after trapped, appointments for spay/neuter surgery, plan for recovery, and plan for release after recovery).

 

HOW TO BORROW TRAPS FROM FERAL CAT FOCUS

  • You must have a scheduled appointment for spay/neuter surgery at Operation PETS Spay/Neuter Clinic in Lackawanna or any other veterinary hospital, clinic or program that sees feral cats. For an appointment at Operation PETS call Feral Cat FOCUS at-1-888-902-9717 (toll-free) or Operation PETS at 716-783-8998. If you choose to use another veterinarian call them directly for an appointment. (We may call the clinic to confirm your appointment before loaning traps.)
  • When you call Feral Cat FOCUS a phone volunteer will discuss your TNVR project with you, determine the amount of appointments you will need for your project, and put you in contact with the closest Trap Loan Volunteer.
  • When you pick up your trap/s the Trap Loan Volunteer will educate you on using the trap. You will be asked to provide ID and to complete our Trap Loan Form.
  • Do not attempt to “fix” a trap. If they are not working properly call the Trap Loan Volunteer immediately to report the problem.
  • Traps must be covered with a trap cover immediately after trapping the cat and until releasing the cat following surgery. If the Trap Loan Volunteer is not able to provide you with a trap cover, you can use a sheet, blanket, or towel.
  • We require a $20.00 deposit per trap. There are deposit exemptions for large colonies. If the trap is returned clean and undamaged, your deposit is returned.
  • Traps must be returned to Feral Cat FOCUS fully cleaned and in good working order. A replacement fee of $70.00 per trap is required if a trap is damaged, stolen or lost. The trap is your responsibility. Please take care of it so it can be used again.
  • All traps must be returned promptly or upon request by Feral Cat FOCUS.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Any bite or scratch should be taken seriously. Seek medical attention immediately.
If possible, DO NOT RELEASE the cat. The cat must be quarantined.
Contact your local Health Department for further information.