(From the City of Findlay)

In a continued effort to humanely reduce the population of unowned, free-roaming cats within city limits, the City of Findlay is allocating an additional $5,000 from already appropriated funds to support the ongoing Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the City, the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County, VCA Findlay Animal Hospital, and other local veterinarians.

TNR is a proven and humane approach to managing outdoor cat populations. Cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped (a small clip made to the ear under anesthesia to signal they’ve been fixed). After recovery, they are returned to the location where they were found. This method prevents future litters, reduces nuisance behaviors such as fighting and yowling, and, over time, allows colony numbers to naturally decline. This program is specifically for unowned, free-roaming cats in the City of Findlay.

Since the program began in February, more than 100 cats have been “fixed”. 

If you’re seeking low-cost spay or neuter services for a pet cat, please contact the Humane Society directly for available low-cost options.

TNR addresses the root cause of overpopulation in a way that’s not only humane but also a more sustainable alternative to reactive efforts, such as removal or repeated complaint response. While no solution is free, TNR helps reduce long-term strain on city resources, neighborhoods, and animal welfare organizations alike.

Residents are encouraged to report sightings of unowned, free roaming cats within the city limits, especially those without visible eartips, by heading to FindlayOhio.gov/i-want-to/report/problem and filling out the short form. The City will coordinate with the Humane Society and volunteer trappers to humanely manage cats in the reported areas. Your reports make a real difference in reducing cat-related issues across our neighborhoods.

For residents outside of Findlay City limits who also want to humanely manage unowned, free-roaming cats on their property, there is a low-cost TNR program available to them. Contact the Humane Society/ SPCA of Hancock County at (419) 423-1664 for details and to schedule your appointment.

If you’re feeding outdoor cats, your compassion is appreciated. Feeding without also ensuring the cats are spayed or neutered can unintentionally cause more harm than good. It leads to more kittens, larger colonies, and more neighborhood complaints. This TNR program is here to help. If the cats you’re feeding are unowned and live outdoors within the city limits, they can be included in this TNR effort. If you feed them, help fix them.

The City of Findlay thanks the volunteers, veterinary professionals, and community members who are committed to making this program a success.