:Animal Welfare Office - Feral Cats/Outdoor Cat Colonies
The Office of Animal Welfare works with residents who are experiencing negative cat behaviors on their properties to mitigate those concerns, both through recommended deterrents and by working with local cat caregivers to encourage cats to stay in areas where they are more welcome. The City of Tempe's Office of Animal Welfare is committed to improving the quality of life for animals, pet owners and all city residents. The office was established in July 2022 and can provide information on a variety of animal welfare topics.
What Is TNR?
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is a program in which outdoor cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped and returned to the location where they were found. TNR is the most humane and effective method for stabilizing and eventually reducing outdoor cat populations. Please note: The City of Tempe does not remove or relocate cats from established colonies and does not offer trapping or transport services for TNR, but can help connect colony caregivers with local community volunteers.
In Maricopa County, cats are not subject to the same licensing and leash laws as dogs so Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) cannot pick up stray or feral cats for the shelter or take action against those feeding cats in their neighborhoods. Many times, members of the community may act as Colony Managers ensuring that a feral cat colony is a Managed Colony (cats in these communities are usually fed, watered, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and monitored for overall health). Other times, the cats are self-reliant and can survive in the neighborhood on their own, without any direct assistance.
For additional resources check out the Arizona Animal Welfare League
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