Saving Lives with Return-to-Field: The Future of Humane Cat Management, Part 1, with Bryan Kortis, National Programs Director, Neighborhood Cats

The Community Cats Podcast

"It's important to understand that nothing else works. There's no other method available if you want to control the cat population besides sterilization.”

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

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