About TNR

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a humane and effective method of managing and stabilizing the free-roaming cat population. Better Days Animal League (BDAL) provides TNR assistance, including trap loans and transportation to participating clinics, ensuring that caregivers have the resources needed to manage colonies responsibly.

On this page, you will find frequently asked questions regarding our TNR services, including information on the process, requirements, and post-surgery care. If you are interested in utilizing BDAL’s TNR program, please fill out the TNR Request Form to get started. Additionally, at the bottom of this page, you will find a list of low-cost pet services and resources, including affordable spay/neuter options, vaccination clinics, and pet-friendly housing information.

TNR Frequently Asked Questions

TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) is a humane method of managing the stray and feral cat population. It involves trapping the cats, spaying or neutering them, vaccinating them, and returning them to their outdoor home. This prevents overpopulation, reduces nuisance behaviors, and improves the overall health of the cats.

Ear tipping is a universal sign that a cat has been through a TNR program. It helps identify them as spayed/neutered, preventing unnecessary trapping in the future.

Cost is $45 per cat* (Adams County SPCA)

Specific instructions for payment options and/or trap loan options are provided after submitting the TNR Request Form.

*Additional Costs – if there is a need for any extra medication, there will be an additional cost incurred and owed to BDAL. Examples include Subcutaneous Fluids, antibiotic for UTI/URI/skin infections, flea meds, and tapeworm treatment.

No. For the safety of both the cat and the caregivers, all cats must arrive in a humane trap. Regular pet carriers are not secure for feral cats and can result in escape or injury.

Clinic services may vary, but normally each cat receives spay/neuter surgery, a rabies vaccine, a distemper shot, and an ear tip. Additional medical treatments (such as flea meds, deworming, or antibiotics) may be available for an extra cost.

Males should be kept for at least 24 hours after surgery, and females should be kept for at least 48 hours. This allows them to recover safely before being returned to their original location.

If the kittens are under 8 weeks old, it is best to leave them with their mother. Once they are at least 3 months old and weigh around 3 lbs, they can be safely spayed or neutered.

Start by feeding the cats at the same time and place daily. Bait the traps a few days in advance without setting them to get the cats comfortable. Always withhold food the night before trapping to increase success rates.

Some cats are trap-savvy. Using a drop trap or a remote-controlled trap closure can help. Patience is key, and trying different types of bait may increase success.

Yes. Cats need a temperature-controlled space for post-surgery recovery. Keep them in the trap, covered with a blanket, and provide small amounts of food and water once they are fully awake.

BDAL or TNR clinics do not provide veterinary care beyond the standard TNR services. If a cat experiences complications, caregivers must seek assistance from an emergency veterinarian.

Emergency Vet Options:

  • Mountain View Animal Hospital, 301-733-7339; 13810 Crayton Blvd, Hagerstown, MD
  • Rossmoyne Animal Emergency Trauma, 717-796-2334; 4930 Ritter Rd #101, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
  • Old Line Veterinary Urgent Care, 301-783-3777; 118 E. Oak Ridge, Hagerstown, MD  21740 

Interested in TNR Services?

Fill out the TNR request form and we will be in touch!
Click Here

Low-Cost Pet Services & Resources

For Owned (“House”) Cats (No Ear Tip Required)
These organizations offer low-cost spay/neuter services for pet cats:

  • Adams County SPCA
  • Antietam Humane Society
  • 50 Shades of Furr
  • Promise Animal League
  • Treehorse Veterinary Services

For Dogs
(Price Varies by Weight)

  • Adams County SPCA
  • Promise Animal League

Affordable vaccine options are available at the following locations:

  • Tractor Supply Company (PetVet)
  • 50 Shades of Furr
  • Promise Animal League

Franklin County:

  • Rent Cafe
  • Rentals.com
  • Trulia
  • WACCO Properties

Gettysburg:

  • Breckenridge Village Apartments
  • Brown’s Ranch / SMB Associates

Mechanicsburg:

  • The Meadows at Bumble Bee Hollow

Harrisburg:

  • Mulberry Station
  • The Pines
  • Emerald Pointe

Adams County SPCA (Gettysburg, PA)

  • 717-334-8876
  • Drop-off: Weekdays by 8:00 AM
  • Pickup: Before 3:00 PM
  • Cost: $45 per cat (includes spay/neuter, rabies, and distemper vaccines)
  • Traps Required
  • Serves: Adams, Cumberland, Franklin, and York Counties
  • Online scheduling available (books 3-4 weeks in advance).

Nobody’s Cats Foundation (Camp Hill, PA)

  • 855-867-4228
  • Drop-off: Weekdays or Saturdays by 8:30 AM
  • Pickup: Before 3:00 PM
  • Cost: $40 per cat (includes spay/neuter, rabies, and distemper vaccines)
  • Traps Required
  • Online scheduling available.

Treehorse Veterinary Services (Biglerville, PA)

  • 717-352-8584
  • Drop-off: Sundays by 8:00 AM
  • Pickup: Before 2:00 PM
  • Cost: Varies by gender (includes surgery, rabies vaccine, and pain medication)
  • Traps Required
  • Currently booking at least 8 weeks out.

Antietam Humane Society (Waynesboro, PA)

  • 717-762-9091
  • Franklin County Residents Only

Furry Friends Network

PAWS of PA

SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program)

Promise Animal League (Boonsboro, MD)

  • 301-465-9473

50 Shades of Furr (Hagerstown, MD)

  • 301-800-6092

Too Much of a Good Thing (Littlestown, PA – Cats Only)

  • 717-465-7220

Humane Society of Harrisburg Area

  • 717-564-3320, ext. 111

York County SPCA

  • 717-764-6109, ext. 301