Spay/Neuter Programs

THE FREE SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM FOR COMMUNITY AND OUTDOOR CATS HAS RESUMED, ALONG WITH ALL FERAL CAT TRAPPING AND TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN PROGRAMS.

At the forefront of all education efforts is the prevention of pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs.

Pets that have been spayed or neutered live healthier lives, are less likely to roam and less likely to be aggressive.

Pets Adopted from WCAC

The shelter sterilizes all adopted animals.

If a cat or dog is too young for surgery at the time of adoption, an adopter must sign a spay/neuter consent form for a future date and pay a refundable deposit. County law requires that only Williamson County residents may adopt pets that are not spayed or neutered.

Free Spay/Neuter Programs for Outdoor Cats

Williamson County Animal Center offers FREE SPAYS OR NEUTERS FOR ANY CAT THAT LIVES OR GOES OUTSIDE, INCLUDING FAMILY PETS.

NOTE: All cats receiving a free spay or neuter will receive a rabies vaccination, microchip and an ear tip. NO exceptions.

FERALS ONLY - Trapped, feral, unmanageable cats are accepted at the shelter for a free spay/neuter on a walk-in basis Monday-Friday, from 8:30am-9:30am.; OR at an upcoming clinic. MUST BE IN A TRAP-*no carriers, crates, boxes or makeshift crates allowed. *Traps may be rented from the shelter for a $50 refundable deposit.

SOCIAL/TOUCHABLE OUTDOOR CATS - These outdoor cats are accepted by appointment only for a free spay/neuter. Appointments are now being scheduled. Contact Samantha.anderson@williamsoncounty-tn.gov for more information.

Other low cost services (Dewormer, Flea Control, FVRCP Vaccination) are available for all cats receiving a free spay/neuter upon arrival for their appointment.

Is the cat feral, semi-feral or a social/friendly outdoor owned cat?

Please review the photos and descriptions below to best determine when and how to bring in the cat.

Feral Cat - Cannot touch at all. Runs at sight of humans. Must bring in a humane trap.

Semi-Feral, Scared or Shy Outdoor Cat - Scared of everyone, but certain people - Must bring in a humane trap.

Social Outdoor Owned Cat - Friendly and able to pick-up and handle easily. May bring in a cat carrier, but only on clinic dates and times listed below. Any cat that goes outside, including a family pet are eligible.

Free spay/neuter services are only available to WILLIAMSON COUNTY RESIDENTS. Proof of residency is required.

Appointments are now being scheduled. Contact Samantha Anderson at samantha.anderson@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or 615-790-5590, ext. 1823 to make an appointment/reservation for this service.

PROGRAM DETAILS

All captured cats brought in by citizens will be spayed or neutered AT NO CHARGE at the shelter, and are to be picked up by their trapper the same day between 4:00pm and 6:00pm for return to their communities. *Traps may be rented from the shelter for a $50 refundable deposit. For more information on trapping, read the WCAC Feral Cat Trapping Guide listed below under Additional Resources.

According to WCAC Community Cat program coordinator Samantha Anderson, trap-neuter-return (TNR) is the best way to reduce the cat population and can eliminate many nuisance behaviors. “TNR improves the lives of cats, reduces shelter admissions, disease and unwanted kittens,” she said. “But, in order to be effective, it must be a community-wide effort that extends beyond our staff. Citizens are encouraged to report community cats and participate in the TNR process.”

Additional Resources

FREE OUTDOOR CAT SPAY / NEUTER PROGRAM APPLICATION

Community Cat Clinic Procedures

Surgery Instructions

WCAC Feral Cat Trapping Guide

Community Cats and Wildlife

Cat Deterrents

Income-based free spay/neuter program for dogs & indoor cats

The Williamson County Animal Center sponsors an income-based spay and neuter program for residents of Williamson County. This program enables residents to have their family pet spayed or neutered at no cost to them if they meet the financial requirements during the application process. All cats are welcome. Dogs must be working breeds and meet current qualifications.

The goal is to reduce unwanted puppies and kittens in the community, which will lead to fewer pets being surrendered to the Animal Center. Having your pet spayed or neutered also reduces the chances that your pet will roam, and it will improve their overall health as they age. Please contact the center at 615-790-5590, ext. 4 to get information or apply to participate in the program.