Sterilization Projects with JETA: Tier und Mensch

It’s pretty well known in the animal welfare community that TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) is one of the most effective ways to reduce the stray animal population. The concept is: trap the stray animal, neuter/vaccinate it at the vet’s office, then release it back to its usual stomping grounds.

But the above formula produces some problems. After the procedure, animals need a place to recover. Most vets don’t have the space or they charge quite a bit to house the animal post-surgery (here in Cagliari, it's difficult to get a sterilization appointment even a week in advance and there are nearly zero fosters/temporary housing options). Groups with more money and resources may be able to trap an entire colony or pack (the ideal) in one day, but that takes a lot of (trained) volunteers, money to pay the vet for the entire day, and a history with the colony/pack (i.e. you have to be feeding them for quite some time to earn their trust).

The good folks in Albania learned from groups in Romania and are bringing a twist to the usual formula.

• Hire a vet for two days (a volunteer is even better!)

• Secure a safe, enclosed space that can serve as an operating AND recovery space. Volunteers and employees are responsible for checking on the animals while the vet performs the procedures.

• Open appointments to the community. They can bring in a pet or a stray they care for then take it home right after. This serves as an education opportunity + a way to sterilize more animals. WIN-WIN.

Maximum efficiency = money saved and more animals sterilized to avoid future suffering. Under this project, the cost to neuter an animal in Albania is only about $35. $35!!