Snip neighborhood stray cats for free at PACC

Get your community cats and kittens spayed or neutered for free during Pima Animal Care Center’s semi-annual Snip ‘n Tip event. Locals can bring outdoor felines in from Feb. 21-23, but only after booking an appointment.

Snip ‘n Tip, part of PACC’s Community Cats program, seeks to fix unowned outdoor cats in Pima County. The goal is to maintain the health and well-being of the current stray population while preventing future litters from being born outdoors.

Community members are encouraged to check their neighborhood cats for a “tipped” ear, meaning that part of it has been trimmed off. This signifies that the cat has already been altered and does not need to be brought in. If you see a cat without the tipped ear, secure them in a crate carrier or humane trap and book an appointment. Contact PACC’s Community Cats Program via email to borrow a trap or carrier.

During PACC’s last Snip ‘n Tip event in October, 596 cats were spayed or neutered.

The event offers more than just sterilization. PACC will provide the following care to all cats brought to the event:

• A brief exam by a licensed veterinarian
• FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccines 
• Rabies vaccines 
• Parasite treatment as needed
• Minor medical care as needed 
• Microchip implantation 
• An ear tip (humanely conducted under anesthesia)
• Female cats will also receive a green tattoo next to the spay site (humanely conducted under anesthesia)

Those who bring cats in are responsible for returning them to their habitat. PACC will notify attendees after the appointment is over and their cat is ready for pickup. 

Kittens must weigh a minimum of 1.5 lbs and have a “committed caretaker” that will watch them after surgery.

The shelter is located at 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.

Sponsors for the event include Friends of Pima Animal Care Center, Petco Love, Bonnie Kay, and Colorado Animal Rescue Express.