Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is critical to eliminating cat overpopulation. By helping TNR volunteers, TNR groups and colony caretakers, the Lurie Clinic is working to prevent unwanted kittens from being born.
Our TNR program curbs feral and community cat reproduction while maintaining the balance of these feline colonies. Our program includes:
- Our own trapping volunteers performing TNR
- Overseeing all registered colonies on the South Side of Chicago—more than 200 caretakers, nearly 300 colonies and more than 2,000 cats
- Providing direct spay/neuter and medical assistance to TNR colony caretakers
Feral/Community Cat Services
In addition to spay/neuter, our feral/community cat services include:
- Eartipping
- Rabies and Distemper vaccines
- Ear cleaning
- Wound Assessment
- Flea, tick and parasite treatment
- Microchipping
- FIV/FeLV tests (available for purchase)
Call (773) 521-7729 for more information or to make an appointment.
Pet Eligibility
To be cleared for surgery, pets must:
- Weigh at least two pounds
- Be at least eight weeks old
- Be in good physical health (no signs of upper respiratory infection)
Feral cats must come in to the Clinic in their own feral trap.
Scheduling Five Cats or Less
Feral/Community Cat surgeries are available Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
Advanced appointments are recommended, but not required for up to 5 feral cats in traps. If you walk in without an appointment, there is a chance we may not be able to accept the cat for surgery based on daily surgical capacities.
Cats must be in a covered, humane trap prior to entering the clinic. We no longer accommodate the transfer of cats from domestic carriers to rental traps.
Drop-off Hours: 8:00 – 10 a.m. (Check-in will be processed in order of arrival.)
Pick-Up: 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified. Discharges are handled in order of pick-up arrival.
More Information: Please call (773) 521-7729
Scheduling Six Cats or More
Group appointments are required for six or more cats from a single trapper or TNR group. Please call (773) 640-5184 to make an appointment.
Schedule for the Day of Surgery
- Check-In: 8:00 – 10 a.m. (Check-in will be processed in order of arrival.)
- Pick-Up: 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise notified. Discharges are handled in order of pick-up arrival. We do not keep patients overnight.
Important Reminders
- Each feral cat must be in its own trap prior to entering the building. Each trap must be covered with a sheet or a towel. Please do not use any nonporous material to cover the trap.
- Trap rentals and transfers will not be allowed on the morning of surgery.
- We cannot keep feral/community cats overnight for any reason.
Trap Rental
PAWS Chicago has traps available to rent two at a time for a two-week period. A $70 refundable deposit is required per trap. Deposits can be made by check or credit card (Discover and American Express are not accepted).
Feral/Community Cat Pricing
Spay/neuter is free. The package price, effective June 1, 2020 covers additional services provided.
- $65 per cat
Includes eartipping, Rabies vaccination, Distemper vaccination, dewormer shot, Revolution application, and cleaning of ears and wounds.
