South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter is recruiting volunteers for its TNVR Program.  TNVR stands for trap, neuter, vaccinate and release, and it’s the most humane way to address the cat overpopulation problem that is plaguing the community. In years past, the only solution was “trap and kill.” Feral or outdoor cats were trapped, and then euthanized after a seven-day stray hold. For people who didn’t embrace that method, the only other option was to do nothing.

A whole lot of trapping, killing and doing nothing led us to where we are now. The problem is still out of control. Fortunately, in recent years, local organizations have embraced TNVR, offering a better solution for cats and the community.  SJRAS is excited to join these efforts to save lives and help people.

While we are proud of the progress we have made, in order to continue to grow, we need more volunteers. Experience is not required. In fact, when I started the TNVR program, I had no experience.

Maybe you are reading this thinking TNVR isn’t your thing, I didn’t think it was for me either. Maybe you don’t believe in TNVR, there was a time when I believed that cats shouldn’t be outside. Maybe you are busy. I’m a public school teacher, also working at the shelter and taking care of my family, I get busy. Every reason you could give to not help, I said myself at one time. But it never made the need go away.

So if you love cats, inside or out, or if you are just looking for a way to help the community, please consider volunteering.  The community members are desperate for help with the cats they care for.

Our TNVR goal is to help local caregivers overcome obstacles in order to get as many cats fixed as possible. These obstacles are typically confidence and/or skill at trapping, the ability to transport cats to and from clinic appointments, and the ability to pay for clinic appointments.

• Trapping: Volunteers are needed to assist families with trapping cats.
• Transporting: Cats will need to be transported to and from properties in traps.
• Fundraising: Funds will need to be raised to sustain the program.
• Communications: Volunteers will be needed to help with phone calls and emails.

Community cats are a community problem, they don’t just affect one person. In order to address the problem, we need a community solution.

When I started the program, I knew I couldn’t do it by myself, I knew that it was much bigger than one person or one shelter. But I believed this community would come together to make it happen.

Now is the time. We have meetings, training and big projects coming up and would love for you to join us.

To volunteer or for information on the TNVR program, email TNVR@sjras.org or call the shelter at (856) 691-1500.

Shelter needs: Dry cat and kitten food without dyes, canned pate cat food, jars of chicken or beef baby food, catnip, small fleece blankets and twin-sized heated blankets.

To submit an adoption form for one of the Pets of the Week or another animal at the shelter, visit https://ybu.af3.myftpupload.com/forms/adoption-questionnaire.

For SJRAS information, call (856) 691-1500 or visit southjerseyregionalanimalshelter.org or SJRASVineland on Facebook.