In January 2017, the City’s Animal Care Services program started operations, and from the start, staff received numerous calls for feral and stray cats.  Feral cats are unable to be domesticated and cannot be adopted; however, stray cats may have an owner, are socialized to humans and are free-roaming.  In March of 2017, staff began discussions with Stray Cat Alliance to discuss establishing a program to manage the cat population humanely and in the best interests of the public. 

In March of 2018, the City and Stray Cat Alliance entered into an agreement to create a RTF and targeted Trap, Neuter/Spay, Release (TNR) program to effectively mitigate feral cat populations.  Stray Cat Alliance provides cats with a microchip, a rabies and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia (FVRCP) vaccine, a topical flea treatment, and ear modification to identify treated cats.  Stray cats are then returned to the area where they were trapped. During 2018 and 2019, a total of 439 cats were processed through the RTF and TNR program resulting in a notable increase in live outcomes.  

The initial agreement with Stray Cat Alliance was for $35,000 per year, with option years to extend the contract.  However, in early 2019, Stray Cat Alliance reported to staff that they would not be able to continue the service and requested that their agreement be renegotiated. 

A budget supplemental for an additional $35,000 was submitted and approved as part of the Fiscal Years 2019-20 and 2020-21 two year budget.   The new agreement for $70,000 is able to provide funding for RTF services to process approximately 382 cats per year through the program.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Approve the agreement with Stray Cat Alliance in the amount of $70,000 through June 30, 2020; and

• Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and make any minor modifications as appropriate thereto.

By:  Mark Ladney, Public Works Supervisor