Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return Community Cat Program

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health Animal Care Division is partnering with organizations qualified to conduct a comprehensive Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program in the County’s Animal Care service areas.

The TNVR Program is one of the most effective methods for controlling the overpopulation of community cats. Furthermore, the TNVR Program will open avenues for engaging with the public in outreach, educational efforts, and collaborative endeavors related to the management of community cats and disease prevention.

Step 1. Identify if the cat qualifies for the TNVR Program. Please refer to the chart on the flyer below.

The home address will not be used to determine eligibility. The trapping location address will be used to determine eligibility. Cats must be trapped within the San Bernardino County unincorporated service areas. A map of eligible trapping areas may be located by clicking on this link. Unincorporated service areas are indicated in blue on the service area map.

Step 2. Make an appointment for TNVR services with The PAW Mission or Priceless Pets.
Most clinics do not accept cats trapped in carriers to avoid confusion between owned cats and community cats. Please refer to the clinic’s website or call the clinic to confirm the type of trap allowed. A $20 refundable deposit will be required for The PAW Mission with each appointment.

Step 3. Safely capture the cat using a cat trap.

It is recommended to contact the partner clinic directly for specific instructions and information on how to humanely capture a cat. Each TNVR partner clinic will operate with varying requirements.

Cat traps are available to the public to rent for a period of up to 10 days at the Devore or Big Bear Animal Shelter. A $40 deposit is required for each trap, and a rental fee of $4 per day will be deducted from the deposit. The remainder of the deposit will be refunded once the trap has been returned, if applicable.

Step 4. Take the cat on their appointment day to either The Paw Mission or Priceless Pets.

Step 5. Individuals and organizations must pick up the cat that day, provide aftercare (i.e., food, water, shelter, and support with recovery), and return the cat to its trapped location per the timeline and instructions provided by the clinic.

Step 6. If the trap was rented at the Devore or Big Bear Animal Shelter, individuals and organizations are to clean the trap and return it to be refunded their remaining deposit amount.

Note: As appointments are made available by the TNVR partner clinics, more than one cat may receive TNVR services from the same individual or organization. Trappers should be prepared to provide the following information:

• Name
• Home address
• Contact information
• Associated organization, if applicable
• Address of trapping location (or estimated address)