Low-Cost TNR Clinics Offered Again by ARL of Berks County

The Berks County Animal Rescue League is once again offering low-cost trap-neuter and rehoming clinics for community cats at its Cumru Township facility. (Courtesy of Berks County ARL)

The Animal Rescue League of Berks County resumed its trap and spay return program in April to sterilize community cats, which includes feral cats.

“TNR is the only proven method to humanely and dramatically reduce cat numbers over time,” said Ashley Mikulsky, CEO of the ARL, in a statement released last month. “We are excited to resume operations of our TNR clinic and continue to target community feline overpopulation in our county. After closing the clinic last summer to focus on surgeries for animals already at the shelter, resuming this service was our priority.

Low-cost TNR programs for unowned cats have been in high demand in Berks County for years.

At the ARL, the cost of TNR is $50 for a female or male cat and includes: sterilization surgery; vaccination against rabies; a vaccine against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia (or FVRCP); a painkiller injection lasting 72 hours; tilt the left ear so that the cat can be identified as sterilized; and insertion of a microchip indicating where they were trapped.

All community cats brought in for TNR services must arrive in a humane trap. Traps can be rented from the ARL.

To make an appointment, contact the ARL Surgery Center at 610-373-8830 ext. 640 or by visiting https://berksarl.org/community-cats-program. Current clinics are limited to 20 appointments.

The April 11 TNR clinic was full, but only 11 clients showed up for appointments, José Joel Delgado-Rivera, ARL communications director, said in an email. He said the previously announced May 15 clinic was full, but ARL added one on May 29 and was moving to two clinics per month. These are also scheduled for June 12 and 19.

The ARL also needs volunteers to foster kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered, especially as kitten season is in full swing, a May release said. During the 2023 season, ARL reported receiving a total of 2,834 kittens.

“We are already seeing a high number of kittens arriving at the shelter each day,” Amara Cordero, ARL shelter director, said in the release. “Our staff and volunteers are working tirelessly to care for these kittens, but we just need more support.

“Foster families are urgently needed to provide temporary care and love until these kittens are ready for surgery and adoption.

“Whether you have experience fostering animals or are new to the process, we welcome anyone ready to open their hearts and homes to these kittens in need,” she continued .

Foster families will receive food, litter and medical care for the kittens, as well as advice and support from the shelter. The ARL said the commitment can vary from a few weeks to several months, depending on the kittens’ needs and the foster families’ available time.

Individuals interested in becoming kitten foster parents can contact ARL for more information at 610-373-8830 ext. 320 or visit www.berksarl.org/foster.