Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Clinics benefit Loudoun cat colonies.

Posted on May 22, 2015 By Leesburg Vet

Update as of August 27, 2015:

We were proud to host another TNR Clinic at our hospital last weekend. A big thank you goes out to all of the volunteers who helped make the clinic a huge success. We had a total of 70 volunteers, including 11 veterinarians, 21 trappers, and medical and support persons. In all, 91 cats were spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, then returned to their cat colonies.

To learn more about the importance of TNR clinics for our community cat populations, read below, then check out the Loudoun Community Cat Coalition’s website .

After the success of Loudoun County’s first Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Clinic at Towne Animal Clinic back in January, Leesburg Veterinary Hospital was proud to host a second clinic this past weekend. Once again, the outpouring of community involvement and volunteer support was amazing – with over 100 cats and kittens being spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and returned! The clinic was made possible by Loudoun County Animal Services (LCAS), The Loudoun Community Cat Coalition, Alley Cat Allies, and Caring Hands Animal Support and Education (CHASE). CHASE is a local non-profit organization whose goal is to provide veterinary support and education about feral cat colonies. CHASE provided most of the medial support team, surgery equipment, and injectable anesthesia drugs. Additional support was provided by the Humane Society of Loudoun County, 4Paw Rescue Team, and the SPCA of Northern Virginia. We also have to thank LVH’s Dr. Strickland for making the practice available for the clinic.

Here’s a breakdown of the day’s events:

109 cats were checked into the clinic
100 cats were spayed (two of those were kittens)
6 other kittens were brought in, but were too young to be spayed or neutered. All of the kittens will be fostered until they are old enough to be adopted out. Four Paws Rescue, Human Society of Loudoun County, SPCA of Northern VA, Loudoun County Animal Services, and Towne Animal Clinic will be helping with the rescue services for these kittens.
10 volunteer vets
66 volunteers

We invite you to browse through photos below to learn more. (Unless otherwise noted, photos from the event are courtesy of LVH’s Dr. Lauren Kloer.) And for more info and great pictures from the event, check out the following sites:

Loudoun Community Cat Coalition’s Facebook page
Flickr Photo Album posted by Marty McKee

TNR Clinic Check-in at LVH! Image source: Amy Bosely

TNR check-in bright and early Sunday morning in our hospital parking lot. We want to give a big shout out and thanks to Becky Robinson, the President and founder of Alley Cat Allies. Not only did Becky come out to the clinic, she lent us a tent and helped with clean up afterwards!

Look at this cute little guy! Some of the trapped kittens were too young to be spayed and neutered, however they will be fostered by volunteers and then adopted through associated rescues. For more info, visit Loudoun Community Cat Coalition’s Facebook page.

Image Source: Marty McKee

A peak into LVH’s treatment area and main TNR clinic area. Because feral cats were coming in, all working areas were covered with plastic. Thanks to CHASE for providing the plastic. CHASE also provides most of the surgery materials for these TNR clinics. If you’d like donate, visit CHASE’s website here.

Besides spay and neutering, the cats were vaccinated for rabies, treated for parasites, and ear tipped while under anesthesia. Ear-tipping is the most effective and universally accepted method to identify a spayed/neutered and vaccinated feral cat from a distance, to make sure they are not trapped or undergo surgery a second time. Zoetis donated all of the vaccinations, antibiotic injections, Revolution for flea treatments, and lots of food to feed our hard-working volunteers!

Yes, it was early, but everyone was excited to get started!

TNR Clinic Animal Control_Community Cat Coalition

Loudoun County Animal Control was a big help at the clinic – they even donated microchips for all of the Loudoun County cats! Image Source: Loudoun Community Cat Coalition