Vouchers to Reduce the Stray Cat Population

To reduce the huge number of cats being euthanized at Capital Area Humane Society in Columbus, OH, the agency launched the AdvoCAT Spay/Neuter program in 2007. Through this program, the agency partners with Franklin County Commissioners and local veterinarians to provide free spay/neuter surgeries and rabies vaccinations for owned and stray (non-feral) cats in the community.

"By ripping off the bandage and exposing the wound, the humane society was able to engage the community in finding ways to begin healing." Capital Area Humane Society

What it Takes

• A working relationship with government officials.
• A working relationship with the local veterinary community.
• An organized person to manage the program efficiently.
• Smart policies that ensure all vouchers issued are used.

What We Like

• The humane society's willingness to talk openly about the number of cats being euthanized in an effort to engage the community.
• Involving both government and the private veterinary clinics in seeking solutions.
• Setting a time limit on vouchers, and reissuing "expired" ones to make sure all vouchers are used.
• Encouraging finders of strays to use the vouchers and then keep the cat as a pet.

Step by Step

1. Download the complete profile (.pdf)
2. Assess for yourself whether the program is right for your agency.
3. Grab the sample materials and get started.
4. Tell us how it goes.