The purpose of the community cat program for West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Services is to reduce the breeding and overpopulation of community cats while addressing complaints and concerns from our residents. The Community Cat program aims to achieve these goals while helping maintain a No-Kill status among the shelter population. The best way to do this is through the Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) Program.

Trap/neuter/return (TNR) programs involve trapping, neutering/vaccinating, and returning community cats to their original outdoor locations. It is not only the most humane method of preventing cats from entering the shelter system; it’s the most effective.

Community Cats are trapped and brought to the shelter. Ideally, they should be in the Shelter no longer than 48 hours – enough time to do a health assessment, vaccinate them, and get them fixed. The cats are then returned to where they were picked up or trapped.

The TNR Program is available year-round. However, from November 20 through January 31 the program is available by appointment only.

Outdoor community cats are different from the sweet, spoiled cats that curl up inside on the couch. During the winter, outdoor cats develop a thick undercoat -- just like all wild animals. This protects them from the cold and wetness. If they are brought in for any length of time they could start to shed that undercoat putting them in jeopardy. Because this is the coldest time of year cats don't typically breed, so there is no urgency to get them fixed. Additionally, if a cat is left in a trap it has less ability to stay warm.

Cats are smart and know where the best places are to hide and stay warm in the winter. If you are worried about community cats staying warm during the winter, we encourage you to put out a winter den. A quick internet search can provide information on creating a den. We can also provide resources upon request.

Sometimes there are caregivers for one or more cats in a community. These caregivers provide food supplement and/or temporary shelters during the winter. While this is a wonderful gesture, it is not necessary for community cats to thrive. Cats are scavengers and those born into this type of life and environment know how to find food and shelter. West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Services does not provide food or shelters for caregivers. We can, however, provide information on food resources and how to build a shelter. Contact our office for more information.

Live-Capture Cat Trapping

Responsibilities and Safe Trapping Guidelines

These guidelines are designed to protect both you and the animal. Anyone using a live trap is responsible for the animal’s care and welfare from the time it is captured until it is brought to West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Services.

Under Utah law and local ordinance, a trapped animal must be:

  • Taken to West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Services;
  • Released at the same location where it was trapped; or
  • Returned to its owner.

Do not release or relocate animals to another area. Failure to follow these requirements may result in a citation for animal cruelty under city ordinance and/or Utah state law.

While Trapping:

  1. Place the trap on a flat, level surface.
  2. Keep the trap out of direct sunlight and in an area that protects the animal from rain, wind, extreme temperatures, and other weather conditions.
  3. Place food and water inside the trap, behind the pressure plate. Use small portions of food spaced along the trap to encourage the animal to move toward the back.
  4. Clean water must be available to the trapped animal at all times.
  5. Cover the trap with a lightweight sheet, towel, or blanket to help keep the animal calm and protected.
  6. Placing newspaper on the bottom of the trap may help make animals more comfortable entering it.
  7. Never leave a trapped animal in the trap longer than overnight.

Trapping Schedule and Animal Pickup

Trapping is not permitted on weekends or holidays. Please stop trapping by 5:00 p.m. on Friday and do not resume until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.

If an animal is captured, contact West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Services Dispatch at 801-965-5845 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, to arrange pickup. You may also bring the animal to the shelter during normal business hours.

West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Shelter
4522 West 3500 South
West Valley City, UT 84120

Community Cat Coordinator

West Valley City/Taylorsville Animal Services has a full-time person assigned to the Community Cat Program. If you have any questions or concerns regarding community cats or would like to schedule an appointment during the winter months, please email our Community Cat Coordinator or call 801-965-5812.