This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this special, two-part audio presentation of a recent live webinar, we'll Explore Return-to-Field (RTF) programs for community cats with Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats. With years of experience managing TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs, Kortis and his wife, Suzi Richmond, provide an expert perspective on the RTF approach, discussing its benefits, challenges, and impact on communities. From the origins of RTF programs to their evolving role in shelters across the U.S., they share success stories and compelling data showing how RTF reduces shelter euthanasia rates, frees up resources, and helps create a humane solution for managing feral and stray cat populations. They also touch on practical strategies for implementing RTF in various communities, legal considerations, and the important differences between RTF and TNR. Tune in to explore a groundbreaking approach that's changing the future of animal shelters and the lives of community cats.

Press Play Now For:

• The Journey of RTF Programs: How RTF went from concept to common practice in U.S. shelters
• Defining Terms: Understanding RTF, TNR, and their specific impacts on cat populations
• Success Metrics: How RTF programs reduce euthanasia rates and shelter costs
• Community and Shelter Benefits: Lower complaints, higher public support, and fewer shelter admissions
• Legal and Advocacy Tips: What municipalities should know about implementing RTF
• Practical Advice for Shelters: Managing intake, assessing eligibility, and effective returns

Additional Resources:

• Return-to-Field Handbook
• Neighborhood Cats
• TNR Certification Workshop

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund and the Whisker Tracker App.

In this episode of The Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron chats with Matt Tougas, also known as "Matt the Cat Guy," founder of the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition in southeastern South Dakota. Matt shares his unexpected journey from fostering wiener dogs to becoming a fierce advocate for Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, despite ongoing legal hurdles in Sioux Falls.

He highlights how a stray kitten sparked his love for feline welfare and how his organization is now leading the charge to reduce cat overpopulation through TNR efforts.

With over 275 cats spayed and neutered in their first year, Sioux Empire TNR is making remarkable strides, even without legal backing in some areas. Matt talks about the challenges of securing affordable spay/neuter services, building community support, and overcoming public misconceptions about TNR. Tune in to hear about Matt’s mission to bring humane cat management to South Dakota and his hopes for the future. If you're passionate about saving cats, you’ll want to press play on this one!

Press Play Now For:

• Matt’s transition from fostering wiener dogs to rescuing cats
• The uphill battle to legalize TNR in Sioux Falls
• The importance of affordable spay/neuter services in rural communities
• Matt’s advice for small rescue groups navigating early-stage challenges
• Insights on the growth of TNR efforts across South Dakota
• How to balance rescue work with local politics and advocacy
• The vital role of education in overcoming opposition to TNR

Resources Mentioned:

• Sioux Empire TNR – Learn more about Matt’s organization and how to get involved.
• Community Cat Calculator – A tool to estimate the number of cats needing TNR in your area.

This episode is sponsored in part by Maddie’s Fund.

In this insightful episode of the Community Cats Podcast, host Stacy LeBaron speaks with Natalia Hansen, Marketing Coordinator for the Humane Canada Summit for Animals. Natalia shares her journey from being unsure of cats to becoming a self-professed "cat lady," all while playing a pivotal role in Canada's animal welfare movement. She highlights the work Humane Canada does, from advocating for animal welfare legislation to organizing Canada's largest animal welfare conference.

Natalia discusses the successes of Humane Canada, such as their advocacy for the ban on whale and dolphin captivity for entertainment, and the challenges that remain, including a nationwide shortage of veterinarians. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration in animal welfare and sheds light on innovative solutions like mobile spay and neuter programs, as well as pet food banks, which help keep pets in loving homes during times of hardship.

As Natalia gears up for the 2025 Summit for Animals in Montreal, she invites listeners to attend and connect with other professionals dedicated to improving animal welfare. Whether through volunteering, donations, or simply sharing knowledge, Natalia urges everyone to get involved and support the work of local humane societies.

Press Play Now For:

• How Humane Canada advocates for stronger animal protection laws and supports shelters across the nation.
• The inside scoop on the Summit for Animals, and why it’s a must-attend event for animal welfare professionals.
• A deep dive into Canada’s veterinary shortage and its impact on spay and neuter services.
• The lifesaving role of mobile spay/neuter units in reaching underserved communities.
• The critical importance of collaboration in advancing cat welfare across Canada.
• How Humane Canada’s pet food banks are keeping pets in their homes during financial hardships.

Resources Mentioned:

• Humane Canada Website
• Humane Canada Summit for Animals
• Collaboration in Cat Welfare Initiatives Report

Follow & Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.