BARC Trap-Neuter-Return Program

Who can use it

You and the colony must be inside Houston city limits. Surgery is for approved colony caretakers. If the colony is not on your own or city property, you need the property owner's or manager's permission.

• You and the colony must be inside Houston city limits
• Free surgery is for approved colony caretakers only
• Need the property owner's or manager's permission unless the colony is on your own or city property
• Feed at set times in a way that does not attract wildlife
• Must work to spay or neuter and ear-tip all cats in the colony
• Limit of two trap rentals per person
• Traps are for catching community cats only

How to get in

Apply as a colony caretaker with the online form on the program page. To reserve a trap, email BARCtnr@houstontx.gov with your full name and address. Traps are limited.

Email: BARCtnr@houstontx.gov

When

Surgery is by appointment for approved caretakers. Reserve traps ahead of time.

Inside Houston city limits

What it costs

What they do

• free spay or neuter, rabies vaccine and ear tip for community cats
• surgery appointments for approved colony caretakers
• humane trap rental
• list of TNR-friendly clinics and vets
• extra services available at extra cost

For cats.

Good to know

Cats get a notch in the left ear. Registering as a caretaker does not protect you from neighbor complaints or neighborhood association rules. Feeding all day or scattering food can bring a citation if neighbors complain.