UPDATE 8/15/19
Don’t want your pets ear tipped when they are spayed or neutered?
The Ft Worth Humane Society has vouchers for FREE pet spay/neuter that includes microchip and pain meds for those living in the targeted ZIP codes.
If you live outside of the targeted zip codes like in Arlington, to get the free voucher, you must show proof of being on gov. subsidies and accompany that document with this application….
However if you are not in their targeted zip code but able to show proof of poverty, they have an application and you can get those blessed vouchers and then make your appointment at the groups that take the vouchers.
If you cannot prove poverty income document, Arlington has the Select Sundays free spay neuter program, but be sure to specify if you want the ear not tipped (read below). The other option is to make an appointment with TCAP and pay $45 for the female feline and $35 for the male kitten/cat .
The lower cost option mentioned below is to pay $5 a cat at TCAP in Hurst if you can be the first 12 in line in a feral cage BUT they will get a mandatory eartip.
The Arlington Animal Shelter has FREE 2 week RENTALS of the TNR traps if you say you need the trap for feline TNR. Otherwise the traps for other wildlife has a backlog list and a $50 I think deposit requirement.
UPDATE 6/19/19
Father’s Day Storm of 2019! This is the cat I fixed weeks ago who unknowingly was pregnant and cost extra to be able to continue to use the Hurst TCAP services cuz Arlington has such a failed one. Thank you Christie Elliott of Tree Hugger Tree Service for your donation to this worthy cause to keep our neighborhood from exploding with kittens.
Arlington’s TNR program 9 times inferior to Hurst TCAP which ave 720 cats fixed over 3 month period vs our 80 cat fixes. BUT at a subsequent meeting I learned I am not comparing apples to apples in services the shelter provides verses what TCAP does. listen here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4ShpaQU2AE
Originally I met to find out why their actual intake numbers were lower than what they quote and thus the meeting to understand also the protocol for euthanasia.
When I took some kittens to the Arlington Animal Shelter, they asked if they were feral and I said yes, then they said they were full and they could not even guarantee that they could make it to the trap-neuter-release program and pointed to the “maybe killed after 3 days” signage. I wept and took them home and to the vet. Now that the kittens I am fostering are socialized, dewormed, etc, I’m still afraid to bring them back there for fear they may not make it to the adoption floor because they’re full. Does anybody have experience with tracking an animal they brought to the shelter to see if it made it to the adoption floor? For the adult cats in my neighborhood, I TNR them myself at the TCAP Hurst to make sure they aren’t killed and to make sure they reclaim their territory as a fixed feral hunting mice. But for kittens, this is a new avenue for me fostering them …and getting stuck… with the good work that I’m doing, my husband is about ready to divorce me! Help me please find homes for these kittens before I turn them into the shelter. First I want to understand the shelter’s track record on what animals are killed and which ones make it to the adoption floor. I am told once the SOCIALIZED kittens make it through the health exam, they get their shots excetera then go to the adoption floor. Please let me know what the odds are as I gamble with their life. UPDATE here is the City’s response to my inquisition…”Good Morning, Thank you for contacting Arlington Animal Services. Unfortunately, we are open intake, which means we can not turn any animals away that are from Arlington whether they be strays or owner surrendered and we must always have the space. If a pet is brought in as a stray, they do not have tags, a microchip, or are visibly spayed/neutered, they are placed on a 3 day stray hold. Once the hold on any animal ends, they can possibly be placed up for adoptions, sent out with a rescue group (adoption placement partner must tag them), or humanely euthanized. We can’t guarantee the outcome of an animal. Depending on the temperament of the animal(s), the health, as well as space, they could possibly be TNR’d, however it is not a guarantee. When you bring an animal(s) into the shelter, they do require a copy of your ID/License, and you fill out the stray release form. The animal will be linked to your name and we can later pull them up using your name, phone number, or address, and you can also check the website for the 8-digit animal ID number. If the kittens qualify for the TNR program, you can have them altered at the TCAP as well as an upcoming Feral Cat Clinic we have coming up here at the shelter Sunday August 25, 2019. I will attach the link to our website that will have all of that information on there for you. We also do not hold animals for years, as we are open intake and have to have the space, we do however make euthanasia a last resort”.
And I responded back with some basic math about their intake numbers not matching up with their last fiscal year actuals….
I wrote a letter back to the City…. —– Forwarded Message —– From: kim feil <kimfeil@sbcglobal.net> To: animalservices <animalservices@arlingtontx.gov> Sent: Friday, July 26, 2019, 02:16:16 PM CDT Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL EMAIL]Q on processing an animal turned over to the shelter for the adoption program After doing an kill rate/by reason open records request, Diane called me to get clarification and to walk me through the info already on the City website. I want to verify that ……… This link is for last fiscal year stats…. https://arlingtontx.gov/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=14981039 You say you take in about 25-75 animals a day. The ave 2017/2018 fiscal year for cats rate was about 48%, so if you took in 12-36 cats/day, 6 days a week, then that would be (365 day/yr minus 52 Sundays closed) 313 day/yr intake of a range of 3756 – 11,268 cats intake a year. BUT the link above shows cat intake for the year as 3400, so are you exaggerating how many animals come in? With 3400 cat intake/yr and ONLY 1 healthy cat euthanized, and the rest ave 25% (905 cats) put down for being sick (includes the 24 lost in shelter), then that is a positive track record. The rest (2582 cats) ave 75% lived and is as follows in my crunching and smoothing out the average to rounding….689 (20%) were adopted out, 1,727 (50%) sent to cat groups with proof of sterilization required or they get a $2K fine), the remaining 5% were reunited with their owners. I’d say that is great work and thank you to the cat groups of which there is about 100 groups of caring people finding cats homes! Did I get this in the ball park? If so why do you say 25-75 animals a day intake when the low end of a 313 day/yr intake is 3756 and your last fiscal year was only ACTUAL 3400? On the low end you are overstating the cat intake by about 356 cats. On the high end you overstate by 7,868. Surely I am missing something? I used to be an analyst for a hospital supply company and enjoy number crunching…and this is way off. Please advise. Sincerely, Kim Feil
—– Forwarded Message —–From: kim feil <kimfeil@sbcglobal.net>To: Sheri Capehart <sheri.capehart@arlingtontx.gov>; Helen Moise <helen.moise@arlingtontx.gov>; Chrishandra.Huff@arlingtontx.gov <Chrishandra.Huff@arlingtontx.gov>; Gilbert.Perales@arlingtontx.gov <Gilbert.Perales@arlingtontx.gov>; Trey.Yelverton@arlingtontx.gov <Trey.Yelverton@arlingtontx.gov>Cc: katelynmcguire.tcap@gmail.com <katelynmcguire.tcap@gmail.com>Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2019, 9:52:40 AM CDTSubject: Arlington’s TNR program 9 times inferior to Hurst TCAP which ave 720 cats fixed over 3 mnth period vs our 80 cat fixes
Multiply 12 cat limit a day – five days a week at the Hurst TCAP TNR ($5 each) = 60 cats a week clinic times 4 weeks in a month is 240 cats/mth over a three month period yields 720 cats fixed verses Arlington’s failed Select Sunday program program accepting 12-20 plus cats per event over a three month period (June 9, June 30th, July 28th and August 25th) ranges only 48-80 plus cats fixed over a three month period. Arlington’s Select Sunday program fixes 9 times LESS cats than the Hurst TCAP program…what do you have to say about that?
Why can’t you support the needs of Arlington residents to have a convenient program open 5 days a week?Use some of your fracking money when its paid back from the loan for Texas live will ya?
The City other experts agree that returning a FIXED cat to its original territory keeps other unfixed cats from taking over their terrority. https://www.alleycat.org/resources/the-vacuum-effect-why-catch-and-kill-doesnt-work/
I have spoken live to two City of Arlington representatives with the Animal Shelter. They said they receive 10K pets a yr and have a staff of less than 30 people). They take in 25-75 animals a day that people bring in or they can go out and set traps as requested and when staff is available. Once at the shelter If they show signs of an owner being able to be contacted, they get to live past day 3-7. Some can be TNR and released back out, some go up for adoption, ferals maybe not so lucky-they use a vaccine to “humanely?” euthanize them.
The only no kill shelter is in Carrollton. Someone told me they can shut their doors if they don’t have room.
HERE IS THE CURRENT PROGRAM THE CITY OF ARLINGTON IS ADMINISTERING, (there is a vet who likes to work on a SUNDAY)….follow their Facebook page to learn about more future spay/neuter clinics, https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonPets/ Here is the link to the flyer for this info below, https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonPets/photos/a.383921248322065/2129070500473789/?type=3&theater
Who: All Arlington Zip codes residents only
What: FREE feral fix clinics on select Sundays (thanks to Maddie Grant)
When: June 9, June 30th, July 28th,& August 25th 2019
Where: Arlington Animal Services Center, 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd., 76018. Cat drop-off 8-9 a.m., Return for pickup 4 p.m.
How: The FIRST 20 CATS to arrive between 8 – 9 a.m. Only the first 20 Arlington feral/community cats will be accepted. Kittens must be at least three (3) months old. **Ferals must be in a trap. For more information, please call 817-459-6190.
Why: Your neighborhood needs managing I was told there will be no additional back end charge regardless of their pregnancy, or in heat, condition if any. BUT you have to set the traps out the night before and be successful in the hunt, be sure not to feed them breakfast…if you can’t catch the feral, you have to wait til the next free Sunday clinic.
ABOUT THE CAGES, there is NO CHARGE for the cage rental and they are available IF you specify the purpose for the trap is for a feral cat. Otherwise for other live animals-possums etc., there is a $50 rental deposit and a waiting list. This is bewildering to have conditional availability for cages based on the animal and purpose. ???
I wish there was a consistent program, as the City of Arlington has neuter/spay programs that change over time/funding. How about use the fracking gas drilling money Arlington Tomorrow Foundation blood money on a consistent,TNR program instead of spending ATF funds on stuff like that $100K for signage on cemeteries!
Aside from the Arlington Animal Shelter…… There is TCAP (who comes to Arlington three times a month at $25 a cat), they accept the first dozen feral cats in line in a trap. The Hurst TCAP also accepts first dozen in a trap Mon-Fri for only $5. BUT BEWARE if pregnant TCAP will charge you between $20-$40 additionally. If you refuse payment, they ban you from their services until your bill is paid.
There is also the Spay Neuter Network, the SPCA, and the Humane Society. Drive over to Ft Worth to pick up the free vouchers from the Humane Society for indoor pets if you cannot afford to spay them.
UPDATE 6/14/19
—– Forwarded Message —–
From: kim feil <kimfeil@sbcglobal.net>
To: Chrishandra Huff <Chrishandra.Huff@arlingtontx.gov>
Cc: Trey Yelverton <Trey.Yelverton@arlingtontx.gov>; Mike Bass <Mike.Bass@arlingtontx.gov>; Gilbert Perales <Gilbert.Perales@arlingtontx.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 14, 2019, 1:24:36 PM CDT
Subject: Re: TNR Hurst support needed because of gap in Arlington’s program
Your staff member on May 31st told me over the phone that you average 12 cats on those select Sundays.
Aside from your Maddie select Sunday program I also understand that TCAP comes three times a month for $25 a cat at your Arlington Animal Shelter and they only accept the first dozen feral cats in a trap.
Here is more info I share with Nextdoor and FB groups that seems to be info worthy, but if you find any errors let me know…for now I am keeping the 12 average on your select Sunday info cause that is what your employee told me.https://kimfeilgood.wordpress.com/2019/05/31/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fixn-cats-in-arlington/
On Friday, June 14, 2019, 1:10:56 PM CDT, Chrishandra Huff <Chrishandra.Huff@arlingtontx.gov> wrote:
Hello Ms. Feil,
The information you sent out this morning is not correct and we wanted to take the time to address your concerns. Texas Coalition for Animal Protection (TCAP) is the recipient of a grant allowing individuals and/or shelters to receive TNR services by bringing feral cats to any TCAP location. The 12 spots (and sometimes more, depending on TCAP staffing) allows feral cats to be taken to Hurst, Fort Worth, Burleson, Allen, or Weatherford, Texas for sterilization services.
Arlington Animal Services continues to provide “free TNR” services made possible by grant funding from Maddie’s Fund for Arlington residents. We currently have Feral Cat Sunday TNR services scheduled for June 30, July 28, and August 25. The Feral Cat Sundays have been extremely successful, allowing Arlington residents to bring cats to these events for sterilization. In most cases, these clinics have accepted over our 20 cat limit (depending on staffing) in an effort to assist those residents who have put forth their time to trap and bring the cats in to be sterilized, ear-tipped, and rabies vaccinated.
Please contact me directly with any additional questions or concerns.
Chris Huff
Animal Services Manager | 817.459.6269
————————
From: kim feil <kimfeil@sbcglobal.net>To: Helen Moise <helen.moise@arlingtontx.gov>Cc: Sheri Capehart <sheri.capehart@arlingtontx.gov>; Trey Yelverton <trey.yelverton@arlingtontx.gov>; Jim Parajon <jim.parajon@arlingtontx.gov>; Robert Shepard <robert.shepard@arlingtontx.gov>; Lana Wolff <lana.wolff@arlingtontx.gov>; Marvin Sutton <marvin.sutton@arlingtontx.gov>Sent: Friday, June 14, 2019, 7:28:05 AM CDTSubject: TNR Hurst support needed because of gap in Arlington’s program
Recent evictions on Elm and East street have left animals stranded.
I took a cat on Monday that I wanted to catch for your free “Select” Sunday program that was on, June 9th, but when you keep catching possums, that ties up your trap (I am borrowing my neighbors trap. I bought my own once, but it was a piece of junk and a waste of $40.
So I arrived on Monday to find the first 12 allowed for $5 a piece was filled up. I returned to TCAP Hurst the next day to find other people people being turned away after those 12 spots were filled.
Arlington is putting a strain on the Hurst TCAP services for its residents and Arlington needs to match their program or at least send help finance the Arlington citizens….see suggestion below.
I will try again to take advantage of your next Select Sunday program for free TNR (including unknown pregnancy termination), but if I trap a cat on say a Friday, then it has to stay caged and cared for before and after the surgery and refilling the cat dishes is a risk to getting bit not to mention an unnecessary strain on the feral.
I tried starting Friday trapping a cat so I can make your free select Sunday TNR program but you can’t be so lucky to time it just right.I understand you guys are not getting anywhere near the 20 limit.
The city should set up an account that takes the difference between the cats received than the 20 allowed and and let that unused a lot of cash sit in an account at the Hurst location. I have taken my TNRs there over the years at $5 a pop unless they are pregnant. When they are unknowingly pregnant, it’s $20 to $40 extra. When Arlington residents have the convenience of the Hurst location and find a pregnancy termination bill sitting in their lap. This kitty abortion is costly and a deterrent to trap ARLINGTON cats.
Since Sheri has yet to respond, I thought I’d also send this to Helen, thank you Helen for any response you can give on how we can improve Arlingtons TNR program, thanks.
Kim
https://youtu.be/Z9SvxQ1gUYM
PS, yes I am that cat fixn lady that serenades the pets in the morning, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ESCiYWcT1I&feature=share2h ago ·
Katelyn McGuire <katelynmcguire.tcap@gmail.com>
To:kim feil
May 31 at 11:27 AM
Hi, Kim. I appreciate your email.
Unfortunately, we are unable to remove the $20 that is owed from your account. You had a $20 credit on your account prior to visiting us yesterday. All that is due is $20 at this time. This amount will need to be paid before we are able to service additional pets for you.
I’m unsure if you are aware, but TCAP’s free feral program is not underwritten by a grant of any kind. That program is funded wholly by our general operating account and by donations from generous people who value the service we provide. However, these services have a cost to us to provide. A basic cat spay at TCAP costs us, on average, $72. This is a service we provide for free. We promo out all in heat cats-of which there are many and these cats cost us more to service due to surgeon and staff time and additional suture required. We simply charge additional fees for pregnant and crypt orchid animals. There is no deviation from this.
We are very upfront about any additional fees that may be owed after the surgery itself is provided for free to you. The details of our feral program are indicated here: https://www.texasforthem.org/feral-cats/feral-fix-program/
We appreciate your partnership and your hard work for your community through fixing ferals.
Katelyn McGuire
Director of Clinic Operations
(940)566-5551 ext. 1107
Texas Coalition for Animal Protection
www.texasforthem.org
Be sure to like us on facebook! https://www.facebook.com/TCforAP
(940)566-5551
Allen Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
717 S. Greenville Ave, Suite 133
Allen, TX 75002
Burleson Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
344 SW Wilshire Blvd, Suite E
Burleson, TX 76028
Denton Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
713 Sunset Street
Denton, TX 76201
Fort Worth Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
2400 Westport Parkway, Suite 100
Fort Worth, TX 76177
Garland Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program1235 Northwest HighwayGarland, TX 75041
Hurst Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
1856 Precinct Line Rd, Suite 108
Hurst, TX 76054
Weatherford Low Cost Spay and Neuter Program
1302 S. Main St, Suite 114
Weatherford, TX 76086
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