TRAP NEUTER RELEASE
It is no new concept that surgical sterilisation is one of the kindest, safest and most effective ways to manage uncontrolled animals and the alternatives are often terribly cruel including killing with poison or shooting. We carry out this work in Egypt, India, Tanzania, Thailand, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. Reducing the stray animal population means less animals are born onto the streets to suffer.
This approach stabilises animal populations over time by preventing reproduction, while allowing animals to continue living in their familiar environments. When animals breed with no control, unwanted puppies and kittens go hungry, starve and die, mothers struggle with their own survival and the knock on effect for both humans and animals can be disastrous. Animals who are not sterilised will breed even when times are tough and there is not enough food to go around.
In many regions where Worldwide Vets operates, access to routine veterinary care is limited or non-existent. Poverty, remote geography, and lack of infrastructure mean that animals are left to fend for themselves — leading to higher rates of uncontrolled breeding and endemic suffering. Uncontrolled breeding allows genetic diseases to amplify, sexually transmitted diseases to spread, and often results in the growing population fighting for territory, food and resources. People in the community can be attacked by the packs of dogs that roam around, and of course there are many diseases in developing countries which can affect people, including fleas, worms, ticks, and more sinister infectious diseases, like Rabies, Brucellosis, Anthrax, Leptospirosis, Toxoplasmosis and Echinococcosis to name a few.
By reducing the roaming animal population whilst also vaccinating animals, there is a healthier, cleaner, less intimidating population of animals, which are more likely to be accepted by communities and cared for in the correct manner. Whilst we one day hope to see every animal have a primary owner, in many places we work this is a long way off, and poverty means people are not easily able to care for stray or even their own animals. That is why services like ours are vital.
How it works
A Trap–Neuter–Return (TNR) event is a carefully planned, humane, and highly coordinated operation designed to reduce stray animal populations, prevent suffering, and protect both animal and human health.
Before the Event
Long before surgery begins, preparation is key. Local teams identify areas with high numbers of stray dogs or cats and work closely with community members, caregivers, and local authorities. Animals are assessed, trapping locations are planned, and equipment, medicines, and sterile supplies are prepared.
Community education is an essential part of this stage. Caregivers are informed about why spay and neuter is vital, what will happen to the animals, and how TNR improves long-term welfare and public safety.
Humane Trapping and Safe Transport
On the day of the event, animals are humanely trapped or safely restrained using methods that minimise fear and stress. Experienced handlers ensure animals are treated calmly and respectfully at all times.
Each animal is transported to the clinic or mobile unit and logged in, allowing teams to track procedures, treatments, and recovery.
Health Checks and Anaesthesia
Once at the clinic, animals receive a basic health assessment to ensure they are fit for surgery. This may include checking body condition, hydration, temperature, and signs of illness or injury.
Animals are then given safe, appropriate anaesthesia by trained veterinary professionals. Pain relief is a critical part of the process, ensuring the animal’s welfare before, during, and after surgery.
Spay or Neuter Surgery
Veterinary teams perform high-quality, efficient spay or neuter surgeries following strict hygiene and welfare protocols. These procedures permanently prevent reproduction and are one of the most effective ways to reduce future suffering.
Where possible, animals are also:
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Vaccinated
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Treated for parasites
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Identified as sterilised (such as ear-tipping in cats)
Each surgery is carried out with care, precision, and respect for the animal.
Recovery and Monitoring
After surgery, animals are placed in a quiet recovery area where they are closely monitored as they wake from anaesthesia. Teams check pain levels, breathing, temperature, and overall condition. Only once animals are fully awake, stable, and comfortable are they cleared for release.
Return to Their Territory
Recovered animals are returned to the exact location they were trapped, where they are familiar with their environment and caregivers. Returning animals to their territory prevents new unsterilised animals from moving in and maintains stability within the population.
Caregivers are given guidance on post-release monitoring and ongoing care.
Why Your Donation Matters
Your generosity can make a life-saving difference:
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$5 provides flea treatment to one animal undergoing surgery.
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$40 allows us to sterilise one dog or cat.
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$50 fuels our mobile clinics for a whole day to reach deep into the community and bring care to those who would normally go without
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$100 keeps one member of our highly qualified team on the road for a whole day.
Every dollar you give directly aids the rescue, care, and comfort of animals who would have otherwise suffered without intervention.
How You Can Help
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Donate Today: Your financial contribution goes straight to providing medicines and supplies for surgery.
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Share Our Mission: Spread the word on social media to help us reach more animal lovers who can join our cause.
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Volunteer: Head to our volunteer page to find out how you may be able to support our work abroad and join to help or learn. We accept volunteers from all walks of life to assist our work. vets can provide surgery, students can learn from our high-volume throughput, animal lovers, working holiday makers and gap year adventurers can help care for animals' day to day needs, be it wildlife in a rescue center in Africa, or domestic animals in developing countries.
