TCAP Sterilizes 3,868 Feral Cats During Q1 2024

At the heart of our mission is the desire to end animal overpopulation and improve community animal welfare.

This is why we are proud to offer our Feral Fix Program. TCAP covers the cost of sterilizing the first 12 feral cats presented each day at our eight (8) DFW area clinics. We also offer select “Free Feral Days” throughout the year to further help with this community need.

We are pleased to report that TCAP performed free sterilizations on 3,868 feral cats during Q1 of 2024 (Jan-Mar). This represents an increase of 18%, or 586, over the same period in 2023. Feral cat sterilization is crucial to reducing the number of feral cat colonies in DFW.

Our team is grateful to the community members who use their time and resources to bring animals to TCAP each day.

Your efforts help us to stop the growth of feral colonies throughout North Texas.

The TCAP Feral Fix Program

The TCAP Feral Fix Program is designed to address feral cat colonies in North Texas. Feral cats are unsocialized outdoor cats that have limited or no physical contact with humans. Domestic cats who have left their homes or been abandoned can become feral. The offspring of these cats who are completely born in the wild are feral cats. They fear humans are not able to be adopted. Often, these feral colonies experience high mortality rates due to disease, lack of food, and predation.

Each of the eight (8) TCAP clinics across DFW provides free sterilization for the first 12 feral cats presented each day. Appointments are not necessary for this program. They are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. All cats must be transported in a live trap. Feral cats that are scheduled for a sterilization appointment are charged just $20.

Drop-off occurs each morning at 8 am and pick-up is at 3 pm. However, we do recommend getting the clinic early to secure your spot in line.

The Feral Cat Issue

According to a report by the USDA, there are up to 80 million feral cats in the US. Efforts to address the feral cat issue involve a combination of strategies. These include trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs. These programs humanely trap feral cats, spay or neuter them, and then return them to their environment. TNR programs are often coupled with efforts to monitor feral cat colonies. Education about responsible pet ownership is important. This includes spaying and neutering and access to affordable veterinary services.

A single pregnant female feral cat has an average of 1.4 litters per year. Each litter has an average of 3 kittens.

Assuming one female per litter, that single female can create a colony of over 50 cats in just 5 years. This includes the offspring of her litters. Depending on survivability, litter size, the number of breeding females, these numbers can be even higher.

Feral cat colonies can contribute to the spread of disease and other negative ecological factors such as predation on local wildlife including birds and rabbits.

Cats carry the highest source of rabies risk in the US, according to the CDC.

Here are some of the key concerns with feral cat colonies:

Overpopulation: One of the primary issues is the overpopulation of cats, both domestic and feral. Cats can reproduce quickly, and without intervention, their populations can rapidly grow out of control. This overpopulation leads to increased competition for resources, spread of disease, and negative impacts on local ecosystems.
Abandonment: Many feral cats are the result of abandonment by their owners. Some owners may release their cats outdoors, believing they can fend for themselves, while others may abandon them outright. These abandoned cats often join existing feral colonies or form new ones.
Lack of Spaying and Neutering: Failure to spay and neuter pet cats contributes significantly to the feral cat population. Unaltered cats are more likely to reproduce, leading to more kittens being born into the feral population. Lack of access to affordable spaying and neutering services in some areas exacerbates this problem.
Health Risks: Feral cats face numerous health risks, including exposure to diseases such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), as well as parasites like fleas and ticks. These health risks not only impact the cats themselves but can also pose threats to other animals and even humans.
Impact on Wildlife: Feral cats are skilled hunters and can have significant impacts on local wildlife populations. They prey on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, which can disrupt fragile ecosystems and threaten native species.
Community Concerns: Feral cat colonies often become a source of concern for local communities due to issues such as noise, odor, and the spread of disease. Additionally, conflicts can arise between advocates for the cats and those concerned about the welfare of wildlife and public health.

TCAP Receives $6,500 Grant For Fort Worth Spays & Neuters

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection receives $6,500 Grant from The Helen D. and R.E. Wallace Foundation Fund at North Texas Community Foundation

Fort Worth, Texas – [November 10, 2023] DFW-based nonprofit Texas Coalition for Animal Protection received a $6,500 grant earlier this month to fund free spaying and neutering services for pets living in 14 Fort Worth zip codes.

The grant, generously provided by The Helen D. and R.E. Wallace Foundation Fund at North Texas Community Foundation, aims to curb overpopulation in areas indicated by the Fort Worth Animal Shelter as high-intake areas.

“With this infusion of funding, we will be able to continue this program, which has already had a tremendous impact on pet overpopulation in the area,” said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. “We are grateful that grants like these exist and are available to our North Texas community.”

TCAP’s Fort Worth Free program, now in its fifth year, offers pets residing in these ZIP Codes a free sterilization procedure and a rabies vaccine. Appointments are required to take part in the program, and residents must confirm their eligibility in one of the included ZIP codes via a utility bill or government-issued ID.

Eligible zip codes for this initiative are 76102, 76103, 76104, 76105, 76106, 76107, 76110, 76111, 76112, 76114, 76115, 76116, 76119, and 76140.

To participate in this program, schedule your pet’s appointment by calling 940-566-5551.

About Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP):

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection is a nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality, low-cost veterinary services to underserved communities. With a focus on spay/neuter surgeries and preventive care, TCAP seeks to reduce pet overpopulation and improve animal welfare across Texas. Through its eight North Texas locations, more than 40 offsite travel locations, and educational initiatives, TCAP strives to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of animals and those who love them.

About North Texas Community Foundation (NTFC):
North Texas Community Foundation drives meaningful change through charitable investment. The Foundation helps donors meet the needs of our community by providing tax-efficient strategies to support the causes they care about most. At the core of everything we do is a network of generous individuals, families and businesses intent on shaping the future of North Texas for good, forever. The Foundation has $519 million in assets and made grants totaling approximately $30 million in 2021. Learn more at northtexascf.org

Post Spay Care for Puppies: Ensuring a Smooth Puppy Spay Recovery

Spaying your puppy is a critical step in preventing unwanted litters and a significant aspect of responsible pet ownership. After the surgery, it’s crucial to ensure a smooth puppy spay recovery for your furry friend. In this blog post, we’ll provide essential tips for a successful puppy spay recovery, helping your young pup get back on their paws in no time.

Follow All Post-Op Instructions:

The TCAP team will provide you with specific post-operative care instructions. It will be a yellow sheet that is reviewed with you at the time of pick up.

These guidelines are tailored to your puppy’s needs and are essential to follow. These instructions include information about feeding, activity restrictions, what signs of complications to look for, and TCAP’s walk-in recheck hours.

TCAP provides free rechecks during any of our posted walk-in vaccine hours. If you have misplaced your post-operative instructions, visit: Post Operative Care.

Monitor the Incision Regularly

The post-op instructions contain several essential instructions, but chief among them is monitoring your pet’s incision. After the surgery, regularly check the surgical site for any signs of swelling, redness, bleeding, or discharge.

If you notice any concerning changes or if your puppy appears to be in pain, contact TCAP’s post-operative line (940) 395-4306, or bring your puppy in for a free recheck.

Manage Your Pet's Recovery

Create a quiet, comfortable space for your puppy to recover. Keep them in a clean, dry, and warm area. A cozy bed and some familiar toys can help keep your puppy calm and content.

If your puppy lives in a household with other pets or children that they like to play with, it is advised that you keep your puppy in an isolated area during their recovery. Rambunctious play, jumping, or running can cause strain on your puppy’s incision, leading to swelling that can either delay their recovery process or create a need for corrective surgery.

When you take your puppy out to the bathroom, please keep them on a leash and only let them out there long enough to do their business.

Recheck Hours

TCAP provides free rechecks during any of our posted walk-in vaccine hours. Pets brought in for a recheck will receive priority service, meaning that you will not need to wait in the main vaccine line. If you need to bring your pet in for a recheck, please just let a TCAP staff member know that you are there for a recheck, and they will guide you through the process.

A puppy’s spay recovery is a manageable process with the right care and attention. By following these tips and adhering to your post-operative instructions, you can help ensure a smooth healing process for your young canine friend.

Puppy Spaying Procedure: Insights for Pet Owners

For pet owners, deciding to spay their puppies is pivotal for both controlling the pet population and enhancing the health and longevity of their beloved pets. Spaying offers well-documented benefits, yet many owners seek clarity on what the puppy spaying procedure entails.

Understanding the Puppy Spaying Procedure

Puppy spaying, or ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical practice that removes a female dog’s reproductive organs — the ovaries and uterus. This procedure aims to prevent unwanted pregnancies, lower the risk of certain medical conditions, and stop behaviors linked to the estrous cycle, such as restlessness and marking.

The Procedure Explained:

Anesthesia and Safety

The puppy is placed under general anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience. The anesthesia is meticulously administered and monitored, considering the puppy’s age, weight, and health status.

Surgical Steps

Under anesthesia, a small incision is made in the abdomen. The ovaries and uterus are then removed, which means the puppy will not be able to conceive. The incision is sutured with dissolvable stitches, and the skin is sealed with surgical glue, negating the need for stitch removal.

Waking up: Recovery Post-Surgery

Following the puppy spaying procedure, it’s essential to manage your pet’s recovery with diligence. Provide a tranquil environment for rest, restrict vigorous activity to protect the surgical site, and adhere to the veterinarian’s guidance on medication and follow-up visits. These steps are vital for a swift and safe recovery, allowing your puppy to resume her joyful activities promptly.

Puppy spaying is a routine yet significant surgical procedure with extensive benefits for both the puppy and the owner. Understanding the puppy spaying procedure is crucial for owners to make educated choices for their pet’s health.

Spaying is a proactive step towards a healthier, more content life for your puppy. If you’re ready to schedule or want to know more about the costs, call us at 940-566-5551 or explore our Puppy Spaying Services.

High-Quality Pet Care: Ensuring the Best for Your Furry Friend

Pets are not just animals; they are beloved members of our families. As responsible pet owners, we must provide them with the highest level of care possible.

High-quality pet care goes beyond basic needs and encompasses our furry companions’ physical and emotional well-being.

The Importance of High-Quality Pet Care

When it comes to pet care, quality matters greatly. Here’s why:

Health and Well-being: Pets require proper nutrition, regular exercise, and preventive healthcare to maintain optimal health. High-quality pet care ensures a proactive approach, helping prevent diseases, obesity, and behavioral issues and promoting a happier and healthier life for pets.
Emotional Support: Pets thrive in an environment that fosters love, attention, and mental stimulation. High-quality pet care involves spending quality time with your pet, engaging in play, providing training, and meeting their socialization needs. This emotional bond strengthens the pet-owner relationship, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being.
Early Detection of Health Issues: Regular check-ups with your full-service vet and preventive care at TCAP are essential for preventing potential health problems in pets. Providing high-quality pet care emphasizes the importance of preventative measures through testing for intestinal parasites and heartworms, maintaining your pet’s vaccinations, and administering preventive medications. Two important medications are flea/tick prevention and heartworm prevention.

The Role of TCAP in Providing High-Quality Pet Care Services

Texas Coalition for Animal Protection is dedicated to delivering exceptional pet care services with a focus on quality. Here’s how TCAP contributes to high-quality pet care:

TCAP employs trained veterinarians, technicians, and support staff with the knowledge and expertise to handle a wide range of pet care needs. Our team deeply understands animal welfare and essential basic medical care and prioritizes the well-being and comfort of pets in our care.

By emphasizing preventative care, we assist you in preventing illnesses in your pet before they start — keeping them happy and healthy for longer.

High-quality pet care is an essential aspect of responsible pet ownership. By prioritizing our pets’ health, well-being, and emotional needs, we ensure they live fulfilling lives and experience the love and care they deserve.

The Importance of Affordable Spay & Neuter Services in DFW

We’re diving into a topic that holds immense importance for both our furry friends and the community at large: affordable spay and neuter services. As advocates for responsible pet ownership, Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) is here to shed light on the significance of spaying and neutering pets for their health and the community. We’ll also explore how affordability plays a crucial role in pet owners’ decisions to spay or neuter their beloved companions. Let’s delve into this vital discussion!

Spaying and Neutering Pets for Their Health

Spaying and neutering offer numerous health benefits for our beloved pets. Spaying female dogs and cats reduces the risk of uterine infections, mammary gland tumors, and ovarian cancer. Neutering male dogs and cats decreases the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems. Additionally, spaying and neutering can help reduce behavioral issues, such as aggression and roaming tendencies, making our pets more well-balanced and happier companions.

Health Benefits for Pets

Spaying and neutering offer numerous health benefits for our beloved pets. Spaying female dogs and cats reduces the risk of uterine infections, mammary gland tumors, and ovarian cancer. Neutering male dogs and cats decreases the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems. Additionally, spaying and neutering can help reduce behavioral issues, such as aggression and roaming tendencies, making our pets more well-balanced and happier companions.

Reducing Stray Animals

One of the most significant impacts of spaying and neutering is controlling the pet population. By preventing unplanned litters, we can effectively reduce the number of homeless and stray animals in our community. The sad reality is that many of these animals end up in overcrowded shelters or face uncertain futures on the streets. Spaying and neutering play a pivotal role in tackling this issue and creating a more sustainable and compassionate environment for all animals.

Minimizing the Risk of Health Issues

When pets aren’t spayed or neutered, they may contribute to the breeding of community animals, including stray dogs and feral cats. These uncontrolled breeding populations can lead to overcrowded shelters, the spread of diseases, and increased competition for limited resources. By promoting and providing affordable spay and neuter services, we can help break this cycle and ensure the well-being of both owned and unowned animals in our community.

Affordability & Pet Owners' Decisions to Spay or Neuter Their Pets

For many pet owners, the cost of spaying or neutering their pets can be a significant factor in their decision-making process. Limited financial resources may pose a barrier, making it challenging to access these essential services. Affordable spay and neuter programs, like those offered by TCAP, play a crucial role in making these procedures accessible to all pet owners, regardless of their financial circumstances.

While the upfront cost of spaying or neutering may seem like an expense, it’s essential to consider the long-term savings it offers. Unplanned litters can lead to increased expenses associated with the care, feeding, and veterinary needs of multiple pets. By investing in affordable spay and neuter services, pet owners can avoid these potential future costs while ensuring the well-being of their pets.

Affordable spay and neuter services are not just essential for the health and well-being of our pets; they also have a significant impact on the overall welfare of the community. By reducing the pet population and minimizing the risk of health issues, we can create a more sustainable and compassionate environment for all animals. If you’re interested in these services, check out our spay and neuter locations to find a TCAP clinic near you.

Why Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

New pet owners often wonder if fixing their pet is necessary. At TCAP we might be a little biased, but let us explain why spaying or neutering should be the only option for every household pet.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 3.4 million animals were euthanized in animal shelters last year. The largest contributing factor to this needless euthanasia is animal overpopulation.

Many owners tell us that their pet has had at least one unwanted litter and then they have decided it’s time to fix their pet. Oftentimes, the unwanted litters can range in size from 2-6 animals. If only 1/10th of TCAP’s surgery clients from 2013 had an unwanted litter, this would mean there were a staggering 18,900 pets born with an unplanned home in the DFW Metroplex last year alone. Spaying and neutering is the most humane and effective way to control pet overpopulation.

Sterilizing your pet also has health and behavioral benefits. Spaying and neutering your pet has been shown to reduce the chances of long term illnesses and increase the overall life expectation of pets. Males typically show reduced aggression and marking. The graphic below by DVM Multimedia says it best.

A common reason people are unable to provide this important service to their pets is due to the cost of the surgery. As a nonprofit, TCAP seeks to overcome this barrier by providing the lowest cost spays, neuters, and vaccinations in North Texas. If you have any questions about sterilizing your pet or request an appointment at one of our convenient locations, give us a call at 940-566-5551 today! Together we can make a difference for people and their pets throughout North Texas.